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 The Collaborative has hosted health expos in the past at the Oasis,
but this is the second one to be held as a drive thru only. The
practice began last year during the pandemic when it was imperative
that guests not gather in large groups in indoor settings. As a
workaround, the Collaborative decided to host the drive thru event
so that it could continue to serve the community.
That first event and this second one also included the opportunity
for people to get their annual flu shot, administered by staff from
the Logan County Department of Public Health.
The parade through the parking lot began at the far north drive in
with the trail passing past the back of the Oasis building, then
wrapping around to the front side with a veer to the right to
receive the flu shots as desired.
Driving into the lot, Lincoln Memorial Hospital Community Health
Collaborative staff were the first to greet visitors. Angela
Stoltzenburg and Cindy Smith were handing out free information bags
and also for anyone interested, free mail-in colorectal cancer test
kits.
The next two exhibitors were from Lincoln Memorial Hospital and
handing out information about living a healthy lifestyle through
proper diet, and information for seniors on advance care planning.
The Family Guidance Centers, Inc. out of Springfield was there
handing out about substance abuse.
Next in line was a representative with the Butterfly Project and
staff from Chestnut Health Systems. The Butterfly Project out of
Bloomington was sharing information about Domestic Violence month in
October while Chestnut was handing out a variety of information
including a flyer about how vaping can harm you.
Next in Line was the ICARE long term care ombudsman program and a
number of representatives from Community Action Partnership of
Central Illinois, talking about their senior meal and transportation
services as well as Head Start.
Around the west end of the Oasis building, students from Lincoln
College were on hand dressed in a variety of fruit and vegetable
costumes and accompanied by the Lincoln College Lynx mascot. They
handed out information about healthy life styles including making
healthy food choices and the benefits of being active.
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The Silver Fox Fitness program was well represented at the expo as
was representatives from the local YMCA.
Lincoln D.A.R.E. officer Christy Fruge was next in the line of
exhibitors, talking to families about substance abuse and sharing
information about what to look for as warning signs that a teenager
may be drinking or using drugs.
Patti Becker of the United Way of Logan County was sharing
information about the United Way 2-1-1 program that offers a quick
referral to community services for those seeking help with a variety
of needs.
"Girls on the Run" was there offering information about the club
that combines socialization with health exercise.
Mario Canon, owner of the Lincoln Anytime Fitness was there with
members of his crew, promoting exercise and offering the chance to
win a free membership to the Lincoln exercise room.
Also helping out with the evening events were the Lincoln College
Gents. The guys were helping direct people to the vaccine line and
assist in any other way they might be needed.
At the beginning of the line, Stoltzenburg was asking each vehicle
if they would be getting their flu shots while at the expo. Those
that said yes had a yellow sticky note placed on their side view
mirror. As they made their way to the end of the line, the gents
were among those who were checking the mirror and sending vehicles
off to the right where they were met by staff from the LCDPH.
Forms were filled out prior to getting to the tent, where the staff
came to the car and administered the injections through the car
windows.
The total trip around the Oasis parking lot took less than 30
minutes, but provided visitors with a wealth of information about
health and wellness and services that are available to a variety of
age groups throughout the community.
The day had been forecasted to be wet and rainy and many came
prepared to handle nasty weather. Fortunately, the rain stayed away
for the event, and the sun even dared to shine for a time in the
evening, casting a golden glow over the activity in the parking lot.
The Lincoln Memorial Hospital Community Health Collaborative is
managed by Angela Stoltzenburg and has offices in Lincoln at the
hospital. Information about any of the local programs is available
through the Collaborative. Contact Stoltzenburg at
Stoltzenburg.angela@mhsil.com or 217-605-5008.
[Nila Smith] |
