Thousands of rubber duckies got their feathers ruffled at Capt. Hiram’s Sandbar recently during the ninth annual Duck Derby to benefit Treasure Coast Community Health.
Crowds cheered as a veritable sea of yellow rubber ducks were carried by the current, with a little help from duck wranglers, after being released from a Sea Tow boat. The owners of the first three ‘adopted’ ducks making it through won cash prizes, and all went home knowing their donation would help their neighbors live healthier lives.
Prior to the release, a number of duck diva sponsors showcased their own cleverly decorated duckies, such as a showstopping “Phantom of the Opera Duck” by Riverside Theatre, and others outfitted in best web-footed fashion.
TCCH has provided healthcare to local residents for more than 25 years, serving nearly 25,000 unduplicated patients in 2020 alone.
The $23,000 netted by the event will enable the nonprofit to continue providing adults and children with high-quality, comprehensive healthcare, including substance abuse, dental care, behavioral, mental health and medical healthcare at reduced costs, based on income.
Vicki Soulé, TCCH CEO, said funding will also help defray expenses for flu shots, well-child visits, mammograms, insulin, and dental cleanings and dentures.
“Little things that act as barriers to a more successful life were exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly housing and food,” said Soulé.
TCCH actually expanded its services throughout the pandemic, not only assisting the entire community with COVID testing and vaccinations, but also adding a mobile health vehicle so the transportation challenged could have access to healthcare.
Additionally, TCCH had already added retinal scans for diabetic patients several years ago and they recently began offering eye exams and affordable glasses for children.
“Our pediatricians have always had the children screened, but there’s a lot of things that need a deeper exam, particularly as we are so screen-dependent. We’re finding that there’s a lot of opportunities to help children see better. If you can’t see, you can’t learn. Whether it’s play learning as a 3-year-old or letters and words as they get into that,” explained Soulé.
“We will be doing a lot more in community education over the next six to 12 months. We know that health literacy is very important. It’s not a subject that you learn in school. We will be emphasizing a lot of that educational opportunity about diseases and ways that they can improve their own health.”
She emphasized that people should obtain whatever care may have been overlooked during the pandemic.
“We know that we have a lot of women who have for one reason or another not had their regular mammogram. Women’s health will continue to be a focus of ours through the end of the year. If the woman isn’t able to take good care of herself, how can she take good care of her family and friends?” asked Soulé.
“Treasure Coast Community Health is special because we turn no one away. More importantly, just like adoptive families, we work to wrap our arms around everyone and meet their individual needs in the most compassionate way we can,” said Soulé.
For more information, visit tcchinc.org.
Photos provided
