Medicare focus of Living Well event

Wahkiakum Health and Human Services will host a Living Well in Wahkiakum Event on Friday, November 3 from 11-4 p.m. at the Hope Center in Cathlamet. The event is not new, but has shifted in focus since its onset, which was prior to and interrupted by the pandemic.

“I get the privilege of planning it this year,” Suzanne Mackey, a community resource coordinator for WHHS said last week.

Originally the event was organized for seniors and scheduled to coincide with Medicare renewal, but now there will be resources for everyone, regardless of age.

“Medicare is confusing,” Mackey said. “It was to help address that, but has morphed into a bigger all-around resource event for people. The big focus is still on Medicare and open enrollment.”

There will be a presentation on Medicare from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and representatives will be on hand to help with Medicare and Medicaid insurance navigation.

The Washington Department of Health will bring their Care-a-Van, a mobile health clinic, to provide flu shots and covid-19 boosters and the Lions Club will have vision screening for anyone and everyone, regardless of age or coverage. Cathlamet EMS will be doing blood pressure checks and have information about LifeFlight and more.

There will be representatives from employment agencies like Workforce on hand to talk about their Thrive program, and Next, which assists 16-24 year olds with training, education, and employment. Advocates for victims of crimes, domestic violence, and assault will also be available.

People will be on hand with information about senior programs, youth services, energy assistance, and more. DSHS, Veteran’s Health Care, DSHS, Aging and Disability Services will all be represented.

A light lunch will be provided by The Spar. The event is sponsored by Amerigroup and UnitedHealthcare.