The 13th annual Caregiver Support Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 1 at the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville.
The event is sponsored by the Belmont County Adult Services Coalition, a group of social service, health care providers and adult service organizations who meet monthly to coordinate support services for the adult residents of Belmont County. The coalition is sponsored by the Belmont County Department of Job & Family Services, and, meets the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Pine Grove Community Room.
"The idea for this event came about when several of us were trying to navigate the service delivery system - just about 13 years ago - for our family members who needed care," said Ann Koegler of coalition member Altenheim Resource and Referral Center. "We thought that if WE were having trouble with services, what were lay caregivers and others in the community experiencing?"
The caregiver support fair allows consumers to meet local service providers, ask questions and gather information.
The fair usually attracts about 400 participants and 60-70 exhibitors.
Health screens that include blood pressures, pulse oximetry, blood glucose testing, chair massage and vision, will be available, as will information on advance directives.
A fashion show will be held at noon featuring clothing from mall merchants and local models. Riesbeck's is donating a cake for fair-goers; and, entertainment will be held throughout the day.
