Attendees provided with health advice and support, along with goodie bags.
Sentara and Optima Health participated in the 8th Annual Russell County Health Coalition Family Health Expo held on November 14, 2023, in Lebanon, Va. Members of the Health Education and Maternal Child Health medical outreach teams were onsite to provide health advice and goodie bags to the over 500 residents in attendance, including 140 students and staff from the Russell County Public Schools afterschool program.
The health expo offered attendees free blood pressure screenings, blood sugar testing, flu and COVID vaccinations, and Narcan® training. Optima Health’s Maternal Child Health team was available to provide information on their Welcoming Baby program for expecting mothers.
In addition, attendees were treated to a magic show from a local magician, a fruit basket walk (similar to a cake walk, but with fruit), and a Thanksgiving-inspired meal. The Sentara and Optima Health team contributed to the festivities by distributing a variety of giveaways, to include water bottles, piggy banks, jump ropes, coloring books and crayons, baby pacifiers, hairbrushes, and portion size plates.
Established in 2014, the Russell County Health Coalition (RCHC) is dedicated to implementing sustainable programs that enhance healthcare access and opportunities for residents living in Southwest Virginia. The annual health expo is one of the many events the RCHC uses to connect with the community, providing an afternoon of important healthcare services and education, as well as family fun.
Sentara and Optima Health have a long-standing relationship with RCHC, sharing a commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the members in the community. They worked closely with the RCHC during the planning stages of the health expo to help ensure it was an enjoyable and beneficial event for all.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Russell County Health Coalition and the outstanding work they that they do,” said RheaLynn Rouse, member outreach representative for Optima Health. “It has been an honor to work beside them in our shared mission of improving healthcare access to those in the community who need it most.”