Medical mission is off for 2020

April 21, 2020

The Health Wagon and the Virginia Dental Association Foundation have decided to cancel this year’s Move Mountains Medical Mission, Health Wagon officials announced Monday afternoon.

The annual event, known for many years as the Wise Remote Area Medical and VDAF Mission of Mercy event, was scheduled for July 10-12 at the Wise County fairgrounds and the UVA Wise Convocation Center.

The free health outreach “has been cancelled due to public health considerations regarding large public gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a press release.

“Public safety is of the utmost importance and after planning the event for 20 years, it was a painstaking decision, but everyone’s health and safety were paramount,” said Health Wagon President and Chief Executive Officer Teresa Tyson. “We will be planning for a 2021 event knowing how deeply meaningful the event is to the region for saving lives and knowing that thousands had come to depend on the event for free eye, dental and medical services.”

No further action at this time is needed from those who have signed up to volunteer for the event at volunteers.thehealthwagon.org. The Health Wagon will save the information and will contact volunteers to sign up for next year’s event.

The Health Wagon is planning a social outreach event which will include giveaways and donations to the community “that will take place later in the calendar year or when it is safe to be in crowds again,” the release states.

Anyone who has questions can call 276/328-8850 or contact Nicole France at nfrance@thehealthwagon.org.