First Annual Health Fair in Framingham, Mass.

Health professionals in elder services networked in Framingham, Mass. on April 2, 2004. A Homecare staff member of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest took a leading role in organizing the fair.

Framingham, MA (PRWEB) April 10, 2004 --For professionals who work with elders and those who seek their services, knowledge of local resources is vital. That's why the Metrowest Community Roundtable, a networking committee of healthcare professionals, held the first annual health fair at the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, Mass. on April 2, 2004. Several dozen organizations represented a range of services from physical therapists to residential facilities.
   
"It's a much-needed fair for Framingham," said Vicky Hunt, owner and executive director of Care Resolutions, Inc. of Medfield.
   
Beth Donnelly, director of community relations for MetroWest Medical Center, said the hospital was pleased to provide the space.
   
Charlotte Lebowitz, a retired social worker who lives in Natick, came to the health fair after reading about it in the paper. "This place is exciting and I love to come to health fairs. I'm learning about things I didn't know existed, and considering my friends and acquaintances who are retiring."
   
Geri Spina, RN, head of the Homecare department of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, took a leading role in coordinating the fair. The Homecare staff provide assistance with dressing, bathing, and light housekeeping in the clients' own homes. The agency also has a geriatric care manager, Martha Bass, LICSW, and provides subscriptions to Lifeline, an emergency response service that subcribers can wear as a button. Jewish Family Service of Metrowest is a non-profit, non-sectarian social service agency in Framingham, Mass., serving individuals and families across the life cycle.
   
"A lot of people, until it hits them over the head and their mother is in crisis, they don't know who to call," said Marilyn Goldberg of BayPath Elder Services, Inc. She said she hoped the fair would make a difference. "Maybe that's just human nature. People don't arm themselves with information until they need it."