Elizabeth Smart to address health expo tonight in Girard

Staff report

GIRARD

Elizabeth Smart, an advocate against child abduction, will speak at 6 tonight during the Healthy Woman Expo at the Mahoning Country Club.

In June 2002, the then 14-year-old Smart was kidnapped from her home in Salt Lake City. While she was held captive, she was sexually abused and forced to marry. The nine-month search for Smart garnered international media attention until she was found in Sandy, Utah, nearly 18 miles from her home.

Smart is now a proponent for child-abduction awareness, recovery programs and legislation. Smart also serves as a correspondent for ABC News.

“We are very excited to bring Elizabeth Smart to the Mahoning Valley,” said David J. Fikse, Market CEO for ValleyCare Health System. “I know that everyone in attendance will be inspired by Elizabeth’s remarkable story.”

Along with Smart, the event will focus on “empowering women to make informed health and well-being decisions for themselves and their family members.”

The expo is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. with free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and bone density that are open to the public. ValleyCare physicians, nurses and staff also will provide information on a wide range of women’s health issues. The expo will include dozens of booths featuring products and services of interest to women, organizers said.

The ValleyCare Health System of Ohio chapter of Healthy Woman launched last October, and includes more than 2,000 members. The organization focuses on helping women with informed decisions about their health.

The expo also includes a sold-out dinner. Smart is scheduled to speak on “Overcoming Adversity” at the dinner.