Community Health Fair held in Fishersville

FISHERSVILLE, Va. (WHSV) – Augusta Health Faith Community Nursing Program held its first-ever Community Health Fair on Saturday at Bridge Christain Church in Fishersville. The event aimed to connect the Augusta County community to its health resources.

“Our goal for this particular event was to try to provide as many community resources to people in our area who they may not know or new people who have moved to our area who may not know exactly. what they have available to them,” said Holly Karicofe, a faith community nurse.

The Community Health Fair featured information boards from 30 organizations ranging from medical and health practices to first responders and social service organizations.

“It’s really important that we get back to a type of work where we can come together to provide the necessary services that a lot of people may not have been connected to during COVID,” said Gayle Shultz who looks after the outreach and community partnerships. for Augusta Health.

Augusta Health said these types of events and connections are very important post-COVID because the healthcare landscape has changed.

“New needs have arisen since COVID. Things that maybe weren’t a health issue for you before or haven’t been a barrier to accessing care for you before, COVID just created new issues for people,” said Stefanie Bartley, case manager for Augusta Health’s Every Woman’s Life program.

“I think there are a lot of resources that have been generated from COVID and resources that were available, but when you don’t need that resource, you don’t look for it. So that helps people understand what is available to them,” she added.

People who came to the fair were able to build relationships and connections important to their health needs.

“We specialize in musculoskeletal disorders, so we met people today who have difficulty walking. We have come across patients who want to improve their daily functioning, their daily ability to run after their children, and other daily activities. It’s just a tremendous opportunity,” said Adam Swartz, practice director at Synergy Rehab & Wellness.

Different health organizations were also able to connect with each other to collaborate and provide more help to those in need.

“I am developing relationships and collaborations with other partners that I was not aware of, these will be great resources as I connect with women in the community to be able to connect them to things that are not part of of my program, but now I know they are available to them,” said Stefanie Bartley.

Faith Community Nursing said feedback from those who attended the event was very positive and the hope is to make the health fair an annual event.

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