LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Community members gathered to focus on their overall well-being during the 12th annual Bridging the Gap Health and Wellness Expo.
The event connected attendees with 49 community agencies, businesses and organizations offering a wide range of services aimed at improving physical, mental and emotional health. Participants had access to health screenings, including blood pressure, balance and diabetes checks, while also learning about local resources available to them.
Organizers say the expo’s mission remains centered on helping underserved populations gain better access to health care and supportive services. Attendees who visited each vendor were also eligible to enter for various door prizes.
“So, it’s really important that we continue to have this. It tells us what new resources we have,” said Cathaline Chisholm, director of oncology services at Lima Memorial Health System. “We have eight new vendors here this year, which is very exciting. Many are mental health resources, along with physical health and childcare services. It means so much to me to see people getting information about preventative care. As an oncology director, I’m all about screening — catching things early so we can treat and cure them.”
The expo continues to serve as a vital link between residents and local organizations, helping individuals discover services they may not have known were available in the area.
