Senior Center Best Practices

Managers, Directors and Center Personnel

Senior Center Best Practices

Category
Community Event

Senior Center/Nutrition Program/Organization Name
Mountaintop Senior Center

Address
460 South Main Road Mountaintop PA 18707

Phone Number
570-868-8517

E-Mail
MTTOPSC@hotmail.com

Contact Person
Tara Langan

Event Name
Wilkes University Health Fair

Description/Overview
Nursing students from Wilkes University provided an onsite health fair customized to the specific interests of our Center members. Nursing students conducted onsite surveys of members to collect and compile information about specific topics of interest for the health fair. This customized approach helped to ensure the topics presented during the fair were both current and relevent to the attendees. During the health fair that followed diabeties information was provided along with glucose and blood pressure screening, pet therapy, etc.. In addition, various health-related information was also made available to attendees. Snacks were made available by the nursing students and door prizes (gift certificates) were provided thanks to donations from local community business partners.

Time and Manpower
The health fair required minimal time from center staff to organize and coordinate and was easily implemented with existing staff within our part-time schedule. The Wilkes University nursing students provided all necessary resources for the health fair including preparation, interest surveys, delivery of health services during the fair and all marketing.

Marketing
Newspapers/word of mouth/flyers placed at local businesses by the nursing students.

Audience Served
ages 60+

Partnerships Utilized
Wilkes University

Budget/Costs
The health fair was provided without incurring any cost to the center. Wilkes University and the nursing students provided all resources and funding necessary including all marketing, center decorations and door prizes.

Impact On Center
Positive exposure; well attended by current members and resulted in an increase in new memberships from the 60+ community.

Good Tips/Other
Utilize extensive resources available by networking with regional colleges and universities in your area. Enlist the support of local business partners by networking.