(Greensburg, IN) – Decatur County Memorial Hospital held the largest free health screening event, the 16th annual Healthy Fair.
Healthy Fair provided 270+ patients with an opportunity to receive free essential health screenings, including a lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL), complete blood count, A1C, thyroid, vision, and others. These screenings were possible thanks to the generous support of the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County (Foundation), The Napoleon State Bank, Aspen Place Health Campus, Decatur County United Fund, Franciscan Health, JCBank, and Levensteins Abbey Carpet.
Beyond the medical services offered, the more than 460 participants were able to enjoy nearly fifty engaging activities, including speaking with DCMH department booths, interacting with community partners who provide health related services, visiting the Kids Zone for custom balloon animals with Miss Tree City and Junior Miss Tree City, and attending educational presentations from providers. The four presentations included DCMH Ambulatory Pharmacist Matt Weber who provided Diabetes Education, Southern Indiana Orthopedics’ Douglas Federle, MD, discussed Reducing Joint Pain, DCMH Family Nurse Practitioner Emily Verseman, discussed Health and Wellness, and DCMH Monica Livers, FNP-C reviewed Where to Go for Care.
“Through our screening events and ability to provide same-day appointments we are meeting the needs of our community by making healthcare more accessible and removing barriers to quality care,” said Rex McKinney, CEO/President of DCMH.
Additionally, the new Cancer Prevention Expo Hall was unveiled for the first time at this year’s event. It included DCMH’s Cancer Care, Pulmonology, Radiology, Surgery, and Urology departments alongside community partners who gave guided tours of the inflatable colon and shared cancer education, prevention material, and screening information. Participants could schedule appointments for heart scans, lung scans, mammograms and more.
In 2022, DCMH partnered with the Indiana Rural Health Association and collected responses from residents through a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The feedback from the CHNA is utilized to identify strengths and needs to advance community health further. Based on the identified needs, three committees were established to develop action plans, incorporating input from DCMH staff, community partners, and key stakeholders, to address and fulfill the requests outlined in the CHNA effectively. The three committees focus on Cancer Care, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, and Physical Activity: Weight, Nutrition, and Diabetes.
“The development and introduction of the Cancer Prevention Expo Hall at the 2024 Healthy Fair directly addresses the most recent needs shared in the CHNA responses related to Cancer Care by increasing our community’s access, education, and awareness,” said Mary McCullough, MD, DCMH Family Medicine physician and member of CHNA Cancer Care committee. “We are dedicated to improving the community’s health through ongoing initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and comprehensive care.”
Through the screenings and activities, DCMH and community partners showcased their commitment to health and wellness. The event’s success was made possible by the dedication of over 70 DCMH doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, technicians, administrators, and support personnel who volunteered their time and expertise to ensure a notable and impactful experience, in addition to the more than 27 community partners.
To learn more about DCMH providers and services, visit dcmh.net, or to make an appointment, call (812) 222-DOCS (3627).
(Decatur County Memorial Hospital press release)
