The Borough of Ellwood City is proud to announce the return of the IRT (Innovative Readiness Training) program in 2027. The IRT program provided $1.2 million in no-cost medical, dental, optical, veterinary and behavioral health services to Ellwood City and the surrounding areas in 2025 during Operation Healthy Ellwood.
“We are proud to welcome the IRT program back to Ellwood City in 2027. I was not present for their first visit in 2025, so I am definitely looking forward to witnessing and participating in the mission next year,” said Jeff Foley, Borough Manager.
Foley stated that after reviewing statistics of the first mission, he was instantly aware of the necessity to bring the program back to Ellwood City.
Foley has been in contact with local political figures to begin securing funding to assist with the program. Funds are necessary to provide certain supplies to the mission, such as rabies vaccines, sterile water, and additional medication beyond what the military provides. The Borough will also be hosting a supply drive to collect necessities for the mission. Details on the supply drive and fundraising efforts will be released soon. Last year, the mission cost was $13,022. That amount was covered by private donations from residents, clubs, and businesses. Several local businesses also contributed to special parts of the mission, such as the Distinguished Visitor’s Day dinner sponsored by the Ellwood City Forge.
The Borough would like to emphasize that this is NO COST healthcare. “We want our residents and those of surrounding communities to utilize the services available with no hesitation. There is no residency, income, or insurance requirements. You do not even need identification to utilize the services,” stated Rhiannon Schnell, Secretary to Public Works and Code Enforcement. Schnell completed the application and served as the Community Partner for the 2025 mission and also completed the application for the 2027 mission.
“Being part of the IRT missions is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. I am honored and humbled to work beside the ladies and gentlemen that are providing invaluable services to Ellwood City,” stated Schnell.
The IRT program has not made its first site visit, as approval was just granted on Friday. “As we work through the planning stages of the mission, we will be certain to keep the public informed. Please stay tuned to our website and Facebook pages, as information will be posted as we solidify plans,” said Schnell.
For more information on the 2025 IRT mission, please click here: https://ellwoodcity.org/2025/09/09/operation-healthy-ellwood-a-community-forever-changed-by-care-compassion-and-service/
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