The City of Gary and the Gary Health Department will partner with AARP Indiana and Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donation to host a Senior Summit and Health Fair on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the Genesis Convention Center.
The public is invited to this event to take advantage of Free Health Screenings and information that will be offered from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Senior Summit and Health Fair with a particular focus on resources and services available for Senior citizens will also bring an awareness to the many services offered by and through the Gary Health Department.
Dr. Reuben Rutland, Gary’s Health Commissioner said, “My role as the Health Commissioner and as a physician is to improve the health and medical awareness to everyone in the region. The Gary Health Department looks forward to working with the citizens of Gary to increase awareness that will lead to making healthy choices.”
The day will include health talks by a panel of local Doctors and Medical Specialists who will discuss various topics; medical conditions and recommended precautions. Seniors and others attending the Health Fair will also have an opportunity to ask questions and one-on-one dialogue with presenting doctors and speakers. Additionally, there will be raffles and prizes, and vendors will be on hand with valuable information to take home. Lunch and snacks will be provided for those attending the day-long event.
AARP is partnering with the city of Gary to make available resources for senior citizens as they prepare for retirement and the years that follow. Gary will soon become a member of AARP’S “Age Friendly” Network of cities. During the afternoon session, AARP will discuss “age friendly” resources to improve the overall quality of life for citizens as they age.
“AARP Indiana is working to make our communities throughout the state more livable for older Hoosiers and their families,” – Sarah Waddle, AARP Indiana State Director. “We are excited about Gary becoming the second city in our state to join AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities and we’re looking forward to other communities following the city of Gary’s lead.”
The event will also aim to heighten the awareness of Gary residents and facts about organ and tissue donation. Gift of Hope will make an educational presentation on how to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation during the morning session.
“Gift of Hope is honored at the opportunity provided by the city of Gary to strengthen our partnership with the healthcare community and its residents to allow for organ and tissue donation to become the social norm. It is important to have conversation with our loved one, and our participation at this health summit will help empower our communities to do just that,” said Jack Lynch, Community Affairs Director for Gift of Hope.
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said, “We look forward to the benefits available to our senior citizens through our designation as an AARP “age friendly” city. As we work to improve the quality in life for all of our citizens, our seniors continue to be the backbone of our community.” The Mayor thanked AARP and Gift of Hope for their partnership in this important effort for our seniors, the citizens of Gary and the region.
Senior Citizens in need of transportation to the Health Fair on May 2nd, may call City Hall at 219-881-1302 to request transportation. Buses will be available for pick up from senior residences and drop off to the Genesis Center beginning at 9:00 a.m. Buses will make one (1) return stop from the Genesis Center at the end of the event, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
