PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Staff from The Aroostook Medical Center will host their annual free health fair for community members on Saturday, October 14.
The event, featuring a wide offering of screenings and information to help people stay healthy and well, takes place at the Aroostook Center Mall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Our health fair is an opportunity for us to provide easy access to a wide range of valuable information to community members and free screenings that will help them be more aware of their own health,” said TAMC President Greg LaFrancois. “Providers from a number of our practices will be there to answer questions one-on-one regarding health concerns.”
The hospital will offer free adult flu shots, as well as free high-dose flu shots for adults age 65 or older. In addition, the lab staff will conduct free cholesterol screening, and a number of other TAMC practices will host booths offering free screenings and assessments including blood pressure, BMI/weight, pulse oximetry, visual acuity and stroke risk assessment.
There will also be several opportunities for patients to learn more about the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems patient portal and to get help signing up.
In addition to the nearly 30 booths from TAMC, the fair will feature more than a dozen booths on various health topics from Northern Maine Community College senior nursing students and physical therapy assistant students from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. A number of non-profit organizations will share information about resources to help the community, such as Aroostook County Action Program, Aroostook Mental Health Center’s Sexual Assault Services, Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, VNA/Hospice of Aroostook, the Hope & Justice Project, UMPI’s Seniors Achieving Greater Education and the United Way of Aroostook.
Children can participate in a number of activities, and are encouraged to bring their teddy bear or other favorite stuffed animal or doll for Aroostook Pediatrics’ Teddy Bear Clinic.
“This is a fun way for us to help get the kids familiar with the idea of being treated, and hopefully make them a little less fearful of a trip to the doctor’s office,” said Jennifer Robichaud, RN, clinical coordinator at Aroostook Pediatrics.
The activities staff from TAMC’s Aroostook Health Center will spearhead a circus-themed atmosphere, with penny-carnival-style games with prizes, free popcorn and clowns. The Wintergreen Arts Center will conduct a fall arts activity and Northern Lighthouse will host hands-on games and activities.
The public is welcome to visit all health fair activities.
