HERMISTON, Ore.-Good Shepherd Health Care System’s (GSHCS) Annual Family Health and Fitness Day was April 25 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC).
“Family Health & Fitness Day was a tremendous success this year, welcoming over 780 attendees and featuring more than 60 community vendors, a range of free health screenings, the return of the 5K Fun Run, and so much more,” said Jessica Reker, Director of Community Health and Outreach, GSHCS.
The festivities got off to a quick start with the 5K Fun Run and Walk, that saw GSHCS President and CEO Art Mathisen cross the finish line first in a time of 25:10.
“The course was great, and the weather couldn’t be better,” said Mathisen, who has been training for and competing in triathlons (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run) since 1999, after the run. “It was good to compete; a high school runner really pushed me in the first half. It was a matter of young speed versus old man endurance.”
The GSHCS CEO has competed in triathlons across the country and around the world, including the Ironman Hawaii World Championship, as well as races in Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, France and Germany.
Food trucks were set up outside, and families enjoyed games, activities and performances throughout the day, before heading inside to explore more, including free haircuts, a Teddy Bear Clinic, and car seat inspections.
Several GSHCS services and departments were represented at Family Health and Fitness Day, including pediatrics, orthopedics, urology, the women’s center, cardiology, pulmonology, dermatology, ophthalmology, general surgery, home medical equipment, Good Shepherd ConneXions, and more.
“My wife works for Good Shepherd, and she’s out of town and told me I needed to go check this out,” said Pete Damico. “We recently moved here from Phoenix, and I’m here to see all the services Good Shepherd offers.”
Community vendors at Family Health and Fitness Day included TruCare Pregnancy Center, the Horizon Project, Umatilla Morrow Head Start, Umatilla County Health, and many more.
“It’s so great for Good Shepherd Health Care System and other partner organizations in Morrow and Umatilla County to bring the community together,” said Mathisen. “This is a way to highlight the services we provide to patients, and to enjoy the services this community provides.”
Free health screenings were one of the more popular attractions for attendees, with long lines throughout the day.
“We just saw the post about this today and decided to come check it out,” said Brock Shurtz of Hermiston, who attended with his family. “It’s always good to get out on the weekend, and my wife is getting a skin check screening.”
GSHCS Dermatology offered free skin check screenings for attendees with Dermatology Medical Director Dr. Wendy Roberts. Those who got screened also had the opportunity to make appointments for further checkups and consultations.
“Skin check screenings are important for the early diagnosis of skin cancer and are an opportunity to hone in on lesions or other areas of concern,” said Julia Cole, a Medical Assistant with GSHCS Dermatology.
Free AIC glucose blood tests and Lipid Panel cholesterol screenings were also a big draw for attendees of Family Health and Fitness Day.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about what’s offered in our community for better health,” said Deanna Kirby, who has lived in Hermiston for about 18 months and attended with a friend for the free screenings.
Community members also had the opportunity to connect with some of GSHCS’s newest healthcare providers during a meet-and-greet.
“It’s great to be able to meet people and get the word out,” said Pulmonologist Dr. Peter Hahn, who has been with GSHCS for about a year. “This is a great event, it’s all about community and putting patients first.”
Board-certified Pediatrician Dr. Madalina Mindrut, who has been with GSHCS Pediatrics for about three months, also met with potential patients and their families.
“Being new to Hermiston, it is so exciting to be able to connect with the community,” said Dr. Mindrut. “We are so excited to be increasing, building, and optimizing pediatric resources for children here.”
Dr. Mindrut was also getting the word out to potential patients about the National Children’s Day celebration being planned by GSHCS for June 17. The event on the front lawn of GSHCS in Hermiston will feature games and be a celebration of childhood.
GSHCS healthcare providers who attended meet-and-greet
- Adam Ahmadi, Ophthalmologist
- Peter Hahn, Pulmonologist
- Shumal Malepati, OB/GYN
- Madalina Mindrut, Pediatrician
- Wendy Roberts, Dermatologist
- Adam Smith, OB/GYN
- Catherine Spomer, Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner
“We’re proud to continue bringing this event to our growing community each year, creating opportunities for families to connect, stay active, and prioritize their health,” said Reker. “Thank you to everyone who attended, and to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff whose support and dedication made this event possible once again.”
More information about GSHCS, its departments and services are available online.
