BOARDMAN, Ore.-The community enjoyed a health fair that included free food and a pool party at the Boardman Pool and Recreation Center on October 9.
Hosted by Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS), the Boardman Community Pool Party was a completely free event that featured flu shots, health booths, rock climbing, open gym, a bouncy house, swimming, and food trucks.
“We’re lucky to have this facility in the region and to partner with leadership and the City of Boardman for this event,” said GSHCS President and CEO Art Mathisen. “We do a similar event in Hermiston with activities and flu shots, and we feel it’s important to do a health fair to better support the Morrow and Umatilla County communities. On a regular basis, about 20% of our patients are from the Boardman area.”
Over 150 community members attended the event, enjoying food, games, and fun, as well as the opportunity to gather information and speak with healthcare representatives.
“We’ve been going to Good Shepherd for a while,” said Kassey Wilson, of Heppner, who attended the event with her three children. “There’s lots of booths, good information, and advice about medical services, and the kids are absolutely going swimming.”
Dozens of GSHCS departments and service lines were represented at the event, including the GSHCS Cancer Center, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Urgent Care, the Emergency Department, Primary Care, Pediatrics, and many more.
“It feels good to be a part of this community event and to be able to talk to people who may not have primary care setup,” said Sanyi Abdissa, a Physician Associate with GSHCS Primary Care. “It’s good to connect face-to-face, answer questions and educate people about the resources available to help get through life.”
Good Shepherd Urgent Care & Occupational Health in Boardman, located at 300 NE Front St, opened in April and the clinic provides treatment for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, as well as comprehensive services designed to promote a safe and healthy workforce.
“Good Shepherd is really trying to reach the surrounding communities by providing quality healthcare and we hope the community knows we’re here for them,” said Paige MacIsaac, a Clinic Practice Manager in the GSHCS Emergency Department. “It’s cool to see the faces of the people in the community where you work and be able to provide information about healthcare services.”
