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The Lincoln Park District hosted
its second annual Senior Health Fair, bringing together dozens of
vendors, healthcare providers, and community organizations to
connect seniors with resources, services, and wellness
opportunities.
Attendees were able to access a wide range of information, from
veteran assistance to home care services, organ donation awareness,
and public health screenings. Blood pressure checks were offered to
visitors while Georgia Allison from SIlver Fox fitness practiced
yoga with the seniors visitors.
State Senator Sally Turner praised
the event’s reach and energy. “We had a great turnout. We had a lot
of vendors here that can offer services to seniors in our community
and surrounding communities, even some from Tazewell County,” Turner
said. “It was really fast-paced. A lot of these folks come and use
the Lincoln Recreation Center so in between [the event] they're
going to their exercise class or going over to play pickleball. So
it’s really nice to see our seniors active.”
Organizers also made sure participants were comfortable during the
event. Turner noted that she and State Representative Bill Hauter
contributed fresh fruit, while Meridian provided food and drinks.
“We’re really thankful for them bringing that,” she said.
Vendors emphasized the importance
of keeping seniors connected to care and support. Kylie Fricky, who
works with Home Instead, said, “Our goal is to help people age at
home for as long as possible. We offer personal care, meal prep
assistance, light housekeeping, and companionship—not just to
support clients but also to give relief to caregivers.”
Peggy Dyson, representing the Educational Center for the Visually
Impaired, said their mission is to help people live independently.
“We’ve been around for 10 years, and we provide education, training,
and resources for people who are visually impaired so they can live
a safe, fulfilling life,” Dyson said. “We give away health and
wellness kits, cooking with confidence kits, and more. We’d love to
bring more programs to Lincoln, but we need funding because we don’t
charge for our services.”
Representative Hauter, who introduced Turner during the event,
highlighted the fair’s welcoming spirit. “I work on a lot of
healthcare-related topics, and I’m really glad to be here. It’s a
beautiful space, and it’s great to see a good crowd,” Hauter said.
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The fair also featured a
diverse set of vendors and programs. The Gift of Hope Organ &
Tissue Donor Network encouraged residents to “say yes” to saving
lives through donation. The Veterans Assistance Commission of
Logan County provided details on financial aid, employment
support, and VA claims assistance for local veterans. The Logan
County Department of Public Health displayed that they would
offer screenings, testing for communicable diseases, and
immunizations, while the Special Procedures Area at Lincoln
Memorial Hospital shared their outpatient services such as IV
therapy, wound care, and catheter changes.
Insurance support was represented
by the R.W. Garrett Agency, which serves thousands of clients across
Illinois, and Synergy HomeCare presented customized in-home care,
including dementia support and veteran-specific services. Molina
Healthcare provided information on managing asthma and COPD,
including guidance on triggers, prevention, and medication options.
For many seniors, the fair made
vital information easier to access. “Sometimes it’s hard for them to
get on the internet, so this event puts an emphasis on senior health
and senior information,” one organizer said. “It helps highlight
facilities and products available to them, especially when it comes
to things like Medicare.”
The Senior Health Fair continues to grow, with more vendors and
stronger attendance than last year, underscoring the community’s
commitment to ensuring seniors stay active, informed, and supported.
[Sophia Larimore]
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