LARNED — More than 100 local residents were expected to get an early healthy start on the weekend Friday morning, as participants in Pawnee Valley Community Hospital’s annual fall Health Fair blood screening in Larned.
The Fair actually begins the day before, as participants were advised to fast for at least 10 to 12 hours before getting their tests starting at 6:30-9 a.m. Friday. Since 2010, PVCH has had Fairs in October in the fall and April in the spring at the Fellowship Hall building adjacent to First Southern Baptist Church, 1224 Corse Ave. The blood screening performed by PVCH lab staff offers a variety of blood tests at reduced prices, noted PVCH Administrator Melanie Urban.
“It’s done in the fall and spring so that we can spread it out. PVCH encourages people to get their lab work done, so we focus on the access and then try and make it affordable.
“We then send them the test results and they can also be sent to their provider if they choose,” Urban said. “This doesn’t go through insurance; they just pay the reduced price.”
Participants, which also includes walk-ins, can choose the tests that they desire from a full profile priced at $30 that includes a comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) that is a package of four tests of different substances in the blood. They can also opt for individual tests such as a lipid panel ($10), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) for $8; Hemagram ($8); prostate screening test (PSA) for $15; HgbA1C ($8); iron ($15) or Vitamin D ($25).
After check-in, the tests take about 20 minutes.
PVCH set up yesterday and invited employees to get their screenings if they couldn’t make it in during the duration of the Fair.
Urban stressed that the Fair was more than just labwork; a PVCH booth also provided information such as Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage, the Pawnee County Health Department’s booth explained its available services with flu vaccinations and the Pawnee County Emergency Medical Service had EMTs giving blood pressure checks.
“We try to catch people while they’re here to inform them what they need to know about their health,” Urban said. ““We are aware that not everyone is comfortable going to the doctor or they can’t find time for healthcare visits in their busy schedules,” Participating in the Health Fair offers a convenient way for them to get a quick glimpse of their health status.”
Other PVCH departments provided information about the hospital’s Sleep & Diagnostic Center, along with information about advanced directives, living wills, durable power of attorney and DNR.
After testing, the PVCH auxiliary provided fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and beverages so that participants could get a tasty breakfast.
