From left, Gretchen Otto alongside Living Assistance Coordinator Patty Buck learns about Shrivers Hospice at the O'Neill Center's Annual Health Fair Monday morning. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The O’Neill Center hosted its annual Health Fair Monday morning, bringing together dozens of local providers and organizations to connect seniors with health resources, screenings and support services in one place.

Rachel Garrison, activity coordinator at the center, said the event is designed to make information and assistance more accessible to older adults across the community.

“We have our annual health fair. So we have several local health facilities with resources, giveaways,” Garrison said. “They have valuable information to help the health of the seniors in our community.”

The fair featured a wide range of organizations, including Waterview Pointe, Washington County Health Department, Right at Home, Buckeye Hospice, Continuing Healthcare, Marietta Heights, Encompass, RSVP-AmeriCorps Seniors, Shrivers Hospice, Cawley Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association, Belmont Health Care, House Calls Home Health, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, Ohio Valley Hearing Professionals, Generations Home Health, WVU Home Health, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, SALT and Safe Dispatch, Amedisys Hospice, OSHIP, Matthew David Law Office, Dr. Evan Dexter of Marietta Health, Happy Ears Audiology LLC, Harmar Place, Ellison and Cornerstone Caregiving.

Garrison said the annual event helps bridge gaps for seniors who may not know where to find services or may feel overwhelmed navigating multiple providers.

Dozens of people attended the O'Neill Center's Annual Health Fair to connect with healthcare resources in the community. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“We think it’s important to us to get into the community, to get exposure out about these different facilities and what they offer,” she said. “There’s several free resources as well as a lot of information out there. It’s just hard to gather. So I think having it all in one place where it’s easily accessible for them is really important.”

Offerings at the fair included free blood pressure screenings, transportation information, hospice and home health services, and guidance on long-distance medical travel through RSVP.

Airika West with RSVP-AmeriCorps Seniors said the program connects residents age 55 and older with volunteer opportunities and essential services.

“A lot of people don’t know it stands for Retired Senior Volunteer Program,” West said. “We offer volunteer opportunities for those 55 and older. Our biggest one is senior wheels, where we offer local and long distance medical rides.”

West said the program also allows participants one personal trip per month for errands such as grocery shopping, veterinary visits or personal care appointments, as long as they are completed in a single day.

In addition, RSVP hosts monthly commodity food box distributions at the fairgrounds and operates outreach efforts such as the Laundry Project and Coats for Kids.

“We get to see families and children and seniors get clean clothes,” West said. “And it gets people out more, which is also really good.”

Garrison said the impact of the fair is visible in participants’ well-being.

“I’ve seen it definitely improve their health and lower their stress levels,” she said.

Beyond the health fair, the O’Neill Center provides a range of services aimed at supporting independence and quality of life for residents age 50 and older. Garrison said many people may not realize the breadth of programs available.

“We have several different facets of the building,” she said. “Our activity center is really about life enrichment. We have travel … bingo, crafts. Ninety-five percent of our activities are free.”

The center also offers a newsletter and encourages new participants to stop in and explore available programs.

Lisa Turner Sherman, assistant director, said transportation remains one of the most critical services offered, particularly for those 60 and older.

“Transportation, we help folks … get to medical appointments in Marietta and surrounding areas,” Sherman said. “All our vehicles are handicapped accessible, so it kind of helps folks stay off the road … they don’t have that anxiety about it.”

Transportation services are scheduled in advance and focus on routine medical appointments, she said, while also helping participants travel to the center’s adult day program.

Sherman described the day center as a supportive environment for seniors who need additional assistance while maintaining independence.

“The day center is a home away from home for seniors,” she said. “We have nutritious meals for them, we have nursing services and we have activities. It’s a huge benefit for caregivers … it gives caregivers a break, but it keeps the senior independence.”