SoKY’s Choice: Med Center Health marks 100 years with community health expo
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – As Med Center Health marks its 100th year of serving South Central Kentucky, hundreds of people gathered Saturday at the Sloan Convention Center for the system’s annual Health Expo, an event focused on prevention, access, and early detection.
The expo brought dozens of screenings and health resources into one place, giving community members a chance to take care of multiple checkups in a single visit. Organizers say the event is designed to make healthcare easier to access, especially for people who may struggle to schedule appointments, find transportation, or navigate the healthcare system.
“We’ve got a one-stop shop today with tons of screenings, tons of health information, and demonstrations,” said Sarah Widener, Med Center Health’s community wellness director.
Among the services offered were screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, vision, hearing, dental health and heart conditions, along with demonstrations and educational booths from medical staff and community partners.
Dr. Laiken Hayes, a primary care physician with Med Center Health, said many chronic health conditions can be improved or even prevented through early screening and lifestyle changes.
“So much of our chronic disease can be significantly improved and impacted by screening and preventative medicine,” Hayes said. “This reduces the barriers to healthcare.”
Emergency services were also represented at the expo, showing how care can begin even before a patient arrives at the hospital. Seth Wilson, a paramedic with Med Center Health, said early intervention can make a critical difference in outcomes for patients experiencing serious medical emergencies.
“We can do EKGs out in the field, start that care ahead of time and notify the ER that you’re on the way,” Wilson said.
Community organizations also played a role in the event, including the Bowling Green Noon Lions Club, which works to help people who may not be able to afford certain types of care, especially vision services.
“It’s just a good feeling to know that I can make a difference,” said Clay Diamond, president of the Bowling Green Noon Lions Club.
The Health Expo has been held for more than two decades, and Med Center Health leaders say it continues to grow as the need for accessible healthcare information and services grows with it.
As the healthcare system enters its second century of service, officials say the mission remains the same: helping the community live healthier lives by making care easier to reach and easier to understand.
