ASHLAND — Visitors could pick up fresh produce at the Ashland Farmers Market on Wednesday.
They could also leave with a completed mammogram.
Information about mental health services, drug prevention, hearing screenings and a scheduled mammogram were all available at Ashland’s Community Health and Wellness Day.
The first Community Health and Wellness Day turned the UH Samaritan Medical Center into a one-stop resource fair. Dozens of organizations gathered to connect residents with local health care providers, resources and services.
The Ashland County Health Department and several community organizations hosted the free event from 2 to 6 p.m. at 663 E. Main St. They worked alongside the weekly farmers market to connect residents with local health resources and services.
“It’s making resources available to folks so they know what services are available to them if they need them,” said Denise Conrad of Catholic Charities.
Conrad said organizers chose to offer the event during the farmers market because it already attracts families and residents from across Ashland County.
“We chose today because of the farmers market,” Conrad said. “A lot of people already attend the farmers market.”
Brice Eyerly from the Community Health Access Project said health care and support services are often most effective when they meet people where they are.
“Instead of just being a phone call, we’re there with them,” Eyerly said. “We go to the appointments, we meet them where they are. They want to talk at McDonald’s. We’re gonna meet them there.”
Participating organizations provided information on mental health, addiction recovery, Alzheimer’s disease, domestic violence prevention, hospice and home health care, pregnancy resources and other public health programs.
Visitors could also receive free blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, bone density screenings and a sports physical. Pre-registered patients also received vaccinations through the mobile screening unit.
Many booths featured interactive displays designed to spark conversation. The Ashland County Juvenile and Probate Court’s “Hidden in Plain Sight” trailer showed parents everyday household items — including deodorant containers, lint rollers and water bottles—with hidden compartments designed to conceal drugs.
Other organizations offered hearing education, fall prevention resources and interactive activities for families. Visitors who collected signatures from participating booths on a bingo card were entered into a drawing for a $25 Miller-Hawkins gift card.
Organizers said they hope Wednesday’s turnout is the beginning of a new tradition. Several participants said they would welcome the opportunity to return next year and continue bringing local health resources together in one place.
