RS Library Holds Wellness Fair

One of the best ways to ensure a long life is to have adequate healthcare, so knowing where to look in times of trouble can prove useful.

To make this possible, Roaring Spring Community Library worked with The Primary Health Network and held a Health and Wellness Fair Tuesday, May 14.

Involving over one dozen different organizations, the event allowed locals to come and learn about many of the resources available to them. PHM offers clinics throughout the state, with two in Altoona.

“Not everyone is happy with their doctor or might want lower prices on pharmaceuticals,” Erik Whisker, Community Ambassador for PHN, said. “Our representatives act as an encyclopedia with information on where they can get that help.”

The fair was one of the first projects Whisker began to work on since taking the position six months ago.

“The group wanted to get some publicity so the community knows what is available,” he said. “I’ve found libraries to be a critical resource because they seem to know their communities the best.”

He chose RSCL in particular due to its reputation of being involved with the community around them.

“They were very welcoming when I came in,” he said. “They do everything here and I have been highly impressed by that.”

Although from Bedford County, Whisker said he was happy to learn more about Blair County by working on the Health and Wellness Fair.

As he said, there are many reasons that the public may be curious about the healthcare system in their community. One big dilemma regards insurance and which medical providers take Medicare and which can help those who have no insurance.

Established less than one year ago, this is the mission put forward by Gloria Gates CARE.

Representative Valerie Luther said that despite coming to creation in January, the organization was already growing fast.

“It can be tricky for many to find the right doctor,” she said. “Not all of them are willing to take Medicare or Medicaid. I chose to work with GGC because not everyone was getting the love and support they needed.”

The namesake of the organization was the mother of Dr. Zane Gates from UPMC Altoona.

“She passed away because she unfortunately could not get the help she needed due to lack of insurance,” Luther said.

Due to this, Dr. Gates decided it was time for a change and chose to establish the group.

Many of the represented groups offered significant help to older individuals, including Village in Place, which offered at-home nursing care.

According to Sharon Mowry, a community liaison for the group, it was significant for many that they stay home even in hospice situations.

“They’re more comfortable and their attitude is more positive,” she said. “This can help them heal better.”

Although many people believe hospice care to mean “end of life” or only lasts six months, both are false. Mowry’s own mother, who they did not think would live too long, was in hospice care in November. However, by January, she was still alive and was “thriving.”

“With the right hospice care, a person can be back to independence and feel healthy again,” she said. “And, if you ever need to go back into hospice, you definitely can.”

PA Link was another group that offered resources for older adults. They act as a voice to help find resources for struggles ranging from technology needs to transportation assistance.

Bethany Ritchey, whose work covers six counties, said PA Link helps both the elderly and disabled. Out of all of the calls received, she said housing typically ranks as the highest concern.

“People are coming in from different areas hoping that smaller areas will offer homes, but there really isn’t,” she said. “It’s a shame because there is a lot of red tape, especially moving from one community to another. They often are put on a longer hold.”

Due to being full of rural communities, Ritchey said that transportation can also be a dilemma.

“Their families might not always be available and there might only be help on certain days of the week,” Ritchey said. “It can be frustrating because they want to get out more, like go to the library or church.”

As a glimmer of hope, she said that with more awareness of this problem, there may be a chance for opportunities to open in the future. Even now, she said there are ways that getting a ride to places is easier.

“Some insurances actually cover around ten rides using buses or vans,” she said. “I highly recommend that people call and find out.”

Ritchey noted how smaller events like this could hold a more significant impact on how people receive help.

“When we go to bigger expos, a lot of times people merely look and take some swag,” Ritchey said. “I noticed when I go to events held in smaller communities, there is more chance of interaction and answering questions.”

This sentiment was also held by Dotty Elder of Penn State Extension in Blair County, who discussed nutrition and ways to eat healthy on a budget.

“It’s more one-on-one, so you know that their concerns are definitely being addressed,” she said.

Locals were just as enthused about the opportunity. Brenda Warner made sure to get contact information from representatives so she could use them for her church activities.

“I was on the Wellness Committee at the paper mill for years,” Warner said. “I used to hold activities that I called ’ Lunch and Learns,’ where I would have speakers come in and discuss different topics.”

Because of this, she said she supported more health-related community events.

Other groups in attendance at the fair included Family Services Inc., Blair Planning, Little Rock Natural Remedies, and Care Compass.

RSCL Board of Directors member John Kauffman said that the fair was a great way to give back to the community that they loved.

“We want to keep offering things that interest the public, and a health fair definitely provides the services that they need,” he said. “We already offer things like blood pressure screenings, nutritionists, and a food pantry. This is just another part of the package.”

He said that because of the success of this fair and the need for individuals to be aware of what is available to them, the library would likely repeat the fair in the future.

Whisker said being able to work with the library served as another way to know the inner workings of the Roaring Spring community.

“By covering so many concerns in one place, then those who stop by are able to understand their own area more, too,” he said.

Those who want to keep up with future activities being held at RACL can find information