For the past 14 years, the health fair at the Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre has been a popular event. Organized by University of Lethbridge nursing students as part of their community health rotation, they bring a wealth of information and community resources, along with plenty of snacks and door prizes, to seniors.
“Our members always look forward to this event every year,” says Ashley Kern, program coordinator at Nord-Bridge.
In September, the dozen students in nursing instructor Penni Wilson’s class began with an assessment to determine the kinds of information and knowledge older adults want about health, as well as services that are relevant to their interests and needs.
“We provided an anonymous questionnaire to ask Nord-Bridge members what they would like to see,” says Madison Yanish, one of the students. “We had a lot of interest in mental health resources; they talked about how Covid impacted them, and isolation was often mentioned. They also expressed interest in relaxation, alternate therapies and various aspects of healthy aging.”
The students then reached out to agencies and businesses within the community and invited them to be vendors. The event has grown to such an extent that some vendors are now approaching Nord-Bridge and the students, indicating they want to participate. The goal is to provide a wide variety of vendors to address diverse interests and needs, and that is what drives the students throughout the planning process — promoting health for older adults, in all dimensions of health.
“The response was amazing,” Yanish says. “People were saying they would love to come with education, materials, giveaways and demos.”
“In addition to vendors, the students seek support from the community with regard to door prizes and food,” says Wilson. “We have amazing partners that generously support this event, and the students ensure they are recognized for that support.”
During their community health rotation, ULethbridge nursing students work with various organizations throughout the city, including seniors’ centres, schools and service organizations.
