We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Pictured above are representatives from a number of different organizations that took part in the Sweet Medical Center's Health Fair last Thursday at the Chinook Eagles Club. The event was organized as a way to better inform the community about services offered around the county as well as provide a few services as well. The event also helped patrons enroll the Health Care Marketplace which is open for enrollment until January 31, 2017.
Nora Conner, left overlooks several vendor booths set up at the Eagles in Chinook at the Health Fair hosted by the Sweet Medical Center. Conner and Kathie Mereness coordinated the event hosted by the Sweet Medical Center. In addition to providing guests with answers to health care questions a great lunch was provided as well as door prizes.
Sweet Medical Center hosted a health fair last Wednesday, December 7th at the Chinook Eagles. They organized the event to showcase different resources here in the community and to provide a few services as well. There was fun to be had with a delicious lunch served and door prizes for attendees.
Nora Conner and Kathie Mereness coordinated the event and represented Sweet Medical Center. They were also there to help people enroll in insurance. Open enrollment is currently open for the Health Care Marketplace until January 31st. They are able to help people find the right insurance coverage for them and enroll with Marketplace, Medicaid, or Medicare. Though open enrollment for Marketplace ends in January, enrollment for Medicaid is year round for low income households. Call Sweet Medical Center for an appointment to enroll in insurance - they are open Monday through Friday and have hours on Tuesday and Wednesday at their satellite clinic in Harlem.
Kendra Seilstad represented the Blaine County MSU Extension Agency and highlighted a few of their programs, what the agency is, and what they can do for the community. They provide a workshop on Chronic Disease Self-Manangement multiple times a year. They are also looking to start another round of their 'Strong People' strength training program. This fitness program was originally designed to help strengthen older people with limited mobility but has been adapted to be a great program for anyone, no matter their fitness ability. Kendra also showcased an upcoming program, the Diabetes Education Empowerment Program - DEEP. This program is designed fo help people be a better 'self-manager' of their diabetes and will be offered soon. To see what programs are coming up and sign up, see Kendra at the Extension Agency office or check out their facebook page.
Mark Weber, Amber Huestis, Jana Hauer, and Rhea DeLong were at the fair representing the Blaine County Health Department. They were offering flu shots and take home colorectal screening kits. Its never too late to get your flu shot - the Health Dept. has walk-in availability on Wednesdays or you can call 357-2345 to make an appointment. They also told me that they will be sending out a Community Health Assessment in the next couple weeks so residents should look out for that in the mail.
Suzanne Berger came from Havre to showcase some of the services available at the Center for Mental Health. They provide outpatient therapy, case management, day treatment, and help with adult foster care.
Barb Eslick represented the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). She was helping people with long term care Medicaid, which is assistance with nursing home care. She manages both the Hill and Blaine county offices for the DPHHS. They are a specialized unit of co-op offices and together they process all of the applications for long term care Medicaid for the state. They are additionally able to help with applications for other services.
Last but not least, Jay Schuschke was here showcasing the services available from the Montana Quit Line. He is a prevention specialist in Hill and Blaine counties for the Health Commitee in Havre. The Montana Quit Line, 1-800-Quit-Now, provides help with quitting tobacco and resources to help others quit tobacco. They provide individualized support including five counseling sessions by phone coaches, educational materials, and nicotine replacement.
