MIDDLETOWN—The Middletown Community Health Center (MCHC) hosted a health fair at Thrall Park on Aug. 8 under a clear sky and soothing music. Vendors were available to inform and entertain fairgoers.
Heidi Williams was there to ensure that people were aware of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. She said a walk for a cure in Montgomery on Oct. 3 was their biggest fundraiser.
MCHC was present in many ways. Dietician Kristy Bach shared a healthy recipe, CEO Teresa Butler said why MCHC was sponsoring the event. “We wanted to start a community health fair and do it annually.” MCHS serves 18,000 patients at 11 locations with over 80,000 visits a year.
Ellen Dunn and Pamela Reiss were at the LiveLongNY booth, which is the newer name for the organ donor network for NYC. Dunn says “one person can save eight lives after death and enhance the lives of 50 others.” Her organization only allows voluntary donations and is well aware of the forced organ harvesting taking place in China, which she abhors. She said she first learned about organ harvesting through events by Falun Gong practitioners, who are often the victims of forced organ harvesting in China.
In the Community
Dhaatri Kuchipudi, a 2nd year student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, was there to interact with the community. Kuchipudi said, “It’s really important to come and talk to the community, and get to know those who we are studying so hard to help.” She said she studies another four years after college, with two years in clinical rotations, and takes three exams to become board certified.
Wanda Cruz, presenting the Orange County Department of Health, was there to tell people who own homes built before 1978 of the hazards of lead contamination. “We educate families about maintaining a healthy home.” She said the emphasis is on keeping people healthy, safe, and away from intruders.
Maria Roberts, Amanda Myers, Ali Buendia represented Access, in their program to prevent child abuse and neglect. They start before a child is born and stay with families until the child enters pre-kindergarten. Kristine Dorado coordinates social programs at the Mental Health Association. Besides working one-on-one with individuals with mental illness, she runs a kids group on Friday afternoon. “It gets them to be independent, to be happy, and just live a normal life.”
Larry Bedosky, who with his wife Lisa owns the Sugar Shack, said it is important to participate in community events. “Kids of all ages love sugar and we are here to show that you can still enjoy your sweets within moderation.”
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