87th MDG launches SICK program Published June 27, 2013 By Maj. Melinda Williamson 87th Medical Group JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- What if a family member had symptoms of a minor illness such as diarrhea, itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, headache, allergies, fever, sinus congestion or sore throat? Many service members would pick up the phone and call the 87th Medical Group to schedule an appointment to see a medical provider. Service members can treat many of these symptoms quickly and just as effectively by using self-care and over-the-counter medications. The 87th MDG implemented the Self-Initiated Care Kit Program recently. The SICK program is a patient-centered self-care initiative designed to empower members to recognize the signs and symptoms of illness and initiate treatment of illnesses that can easily improve with over-the-counter medication use. The SICK program enables active duty members to access a variety of over-the-counter medications without being seen by a provider. "The program will reduce the amount of work and training time military members lose waiting to receive medical care. It will also empower members to be responsible for their personal health and reduce cost by decreasing unnecessary medical visits," said Maj. Angela Widder, Family Health Clinic director of operations. The SICK program is currently available to active-duty service members enrolled in the Family Health Clinic. A service member wanting to enroll must attend a 30-minute briefing held on the first and third Tuesday of each Month at 1 p.m. during the Newcomer's Orientation. The 87th MDG also holds briefings at 7 a.m. on Mondays and 1 p.m. on Fridays on the second floor of the 87th MDG Clinic in room 2D45. Service members will receive the "Taking Care of Yourself" book as well as a SICK program prescription card which will allow them to access the pharmacy for a limited quantity of self-care medications after completing of the orientation. Anyone seeking additional information about the program or wishing to schedule an individual appointment should call 1-866-DRS-APPT. Individuals should email melinda.williamson@us.af.mil to schedule briefings during their unit commander's calls.