Fair promotes healthful living in Wareham
A one-stop shop that offered tips for living a healthier lifestyle was set up in front of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center on Friday afternoon.
To celebrate National Community Health Center Week, as well as introduce themselves to the community, health center employees organized the first ever “Festival of Health and Wellness.” It was held in the Shaw’s Supermarket parking lot.
In addition to free blood pressure clinics, diabetes education and health screenings, a host of other groups looking to keep residents fit were on hand, including representatives from Southcoast Health and the Gleason Family YMCA. Children’s games, music and raffles were part of the festivities, too.
“This is our effort to let the community know what services we provide,” said Site Manager Kathleen Minnock. “And that we collaborate with a number of other local groups focused on health.”
Minnock explained that Wareham’s health center has a staff of primary care doctors on site who are currently accepting new patients. The center opened last September with a $1.4 million federal grant. It’s mission is to provide health care to the uninsured and underserved people in the area.
She noted that the center recently donated $5,000 to the YMCA, which was used to fund memberships for 12 Wareham children in need.
Representing the YMCA at the event was Brian Young, a strength trainer at the Y.
“You really can’t go wrong at a health fair,” said Young. “I’m here to let people know the Y can meet all your fitness needs. It’s really great to see the community come together like this.”
Minnock estimated that between 70 to 100 people turned out for the event. She noted the center will continue outreach efforts with free flu clinics and other health-oriented events yet to be announced.
The health center is located at 127 Marion Road. For more information on the center, visit www.gnbchc.org.