SOMO News
SOMO Brings Health Services to Athletes Through Community Care Celebration
Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) hosted its second annual Community Care Celebration on Friday, creating vital connections between athletes and healthcare providers.
Held at the Training for Life Campus, the event provided free health screenings for 150 athletes and hands-on learning experiences for 45 doctors and 40 medical students. Screenings covered dental health, overall wellness, nutrition, blood pressure, sun safety, and stress management.
Following the assessments, healthcare professionals offered referrals for athletes needing further treatment. Many SOMO athletes are Medicaid-eligible due to intellectual or developmental disabilities, but they often face barriers like limited transportation or lack of access in rural communities.
“This event helps break down those barriers,” said Maci Arnold, SOMO Health & Wellness Manager. “We bring healthcare to the athletes, in a setting that feels safe and familiar. That’s what Healthy Athletes is all about.”
For long-time athlete Allen Tobin, the impact has been personal. Over his 28 years with SOMO, he’s received hearing aids, dental work, and even dentures through these programs. Now serving as a Health Messenger, Tobin encourages other athletes to speak up about their health needs — using words, gestures, or communication devices.
“I lead by example,” he said. “Even if someone is non-verbal, they can still let others know what they need.”
Dr. Ashley Popejoy, a pediatric dentist and SOMO clinical director, emphasized the importance of training medical professionals to work confidently and compassionately with individuals with disabilities.
“Many providers simply haven’t had experience with patients with intellectual disabilities,” she said. “Events like this give them the chance to learn how to communicate effectively and deliver the care these patients deserve.”
Carol Griffin, SOMO’s Health Partnership Director, added: “We’re empowering future doctors and medical students to become advocates for inclusion in healthcare — and to understand just how much of a difference they can make.”
