Free screenings, facts to be offered
STAFF REPORT
NILES — Unemployed community members, retirees, seniors and children can receive free health information and sign up for services during the first Wellness & Benefits Expo on Thursday and Friday at the Eastwood Mall.
The mall, in conjunction with St. Joe’s at the Mall, Area Agency on Aging District 11, the Alliance for Senior Americans and SCOPE are working together for the two-day event to help people learn about the services that can help them survive during these tough economic times.
Everything from health-fair vendors to flu shots to expert advice will be available throughout the mall concourse, St. Joe’s at the Mall, Area Agency offices and the mall’s Community Room.
Free health screenings will be offered by St. Joe’s, including flu shots Thursday. Various services offered by Humility of Mary Health Partners will be on hand to provide information on prescription assistance, advance directives, home care, hospice, congestive heart, and injury/fall prevention and others. Dr. Francisco Cano, an allergist, will be speaking at noon Thursday on allergies, sinuses and colds.
On the second floor, free Ohio Benefits Bank sessions will be offered in Area Agency offices. A quick check takes only about 90 seconds to let people know if they can qualify for food assistance, Home Emergency Assistance Program for heating your home during the winter months, reduced lunches and many more programs.
Applications can take up to an hour, and people are asked to call to schedule a free appointment at (330) 505-2300.
Nearly 24 computer terminals will be set up for the benefits bank. Area Agency staff will offer these sessions to anyone, and there is no age restriction.
Area Agency staff also will conduct Medicare checkups for seniors. Residents must bring their Medicare card and a list of current prescription information. The Girard Multi-Generational Center will help people with prescription-drug assistance.
On Friday, the Alliance for Senior Americans and SCOPE will have ASA Senior Fair II in the Community Room from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guest speakers and information on health, wellness, community services and information for retirees will be available.
Health expo
Schedule
The schedule for the first Wellness & Benefits Expo at the Eastwood Mall. For more information or to make an appointment, call (330) 505-2300:
Thursday
8 a.m.: Continental breakfast in the food court.
8:30 a.m.: Registration.
9 a.m.: Benefits Bank sessions begin at Area Agency on Aging District 11 offices on second floor.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Vendors booths open throughout the mall concourse; flu shots will be available at St. Joe’s at the Mall on Thursday only; noon, Dr. Francisco Cano, an allergist, will speak on allergies, sinuses and colds.
Friday
8 a.m.: Continental breakfast in the food court.
8:30 a.m.: Registration.
9 a.m.: Benefits Bank, sessions begin at Area Agency offices on second floor.
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Vendors, health screenings and community services in the Community Room.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Vendors booths open throughout the mall concourse.
Source: Area Agency on Aging District 11