Summit Pacific Medical Center invites community members to celebrate wellness at their annual Peak Health Wellness Fair and 5K Family Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, September 16, 2023. This free event aligns with Summit Pacific’s vision of “building the healthiest community in the Nation” by featuring a wide range of attractions and local exhibitors geared towards health and wellness.
“This day is about our community’s overall wellness and all that entails,” says Ashleigh Gleeson, Events and Community Programs Coordinator at Summit Pacific Medical Center. “It’s not just about physical activity. It’s about everything that makes up a person – financial wellness, spirituality, mental health – it’s a little bit of everything. We aim to bring awareness to all these aspects of wellness and share information about resources that are available to our community.”
Start the Day at the Family Fun Run & Walk
Lace up your walking shoes and kick off your day with the 5K Family Fun Run & Walk, now in its sixth year. The race starts at 9 a.m. and you can register online here or the day of the event at 8:30 a.m. at the Wellness Center. It’s free to participate in the 5K, and there will be race t-shirts available for $10.
This popular, family-friendly, easy going trek will take place rain or shine, starting at the Summit Pacific Wellness Center, located at 610 East Main St. in Elma, with the route continuing through the streets of Elma. All participants will be timed, with recognition and awards for top finishers in each age category.
“We have people walking in groups, parents pushing strollers, families helping those in wheelchairs – everyone is encouraged to participate,” Gleeson says. “We also encourage our local schools to get their track and cross-country teams involved.”
People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to sign up and join their fellow community members for a morning of outdoor fun and fitness.
Find Community Resources at Wellness Fair
The annual Peak Health Wellness Fair opens at 10 a.m. with products, information, and exhibits from local vendors. Free health care checks, eye exams and skin cancer screenings will be offered this year. Entrance to the Wellness Fair is free, and it’s a great source of information and fun for the entire family.
“The free health care checks include measuring height and weight as well as blood pressure, pulse, oxygen, and glucose testing,” Gleeson says. “We live in such a rural area, so it’s important to us to offer this health fair free to the community and share the many resources that are available to our community members.”
Representatives from Amerigroup will be on site to help enroll community members in need of insurance. There will also be opportunities to schedule well child checks. With exhibitors sharing information on topics from hiking and cycling, mental health, money management and more, there are opportunities to learn more about a variety of community services and programs.
Collect swag, chat with health and wellness vendors, meet health care providers and local emergency personnel, and maybe even win a door prize. Exhibitors will be offering a multitude of activities, advice and giveaways.
Bike Rodeo Brings Awareness to Safety and Fitness
The free Kids’ Bike Rodeo takes place the entire duration of the Wellness Fair, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with stations for children and adults to bring their bikes and helmets for a complete safety check. Officers from the Elma Police Department, along with local student volunteers, will be on hand to share bicycle, traffic, and pedestrian safety tips.
“We can check over the bike, add air to their tires, and we will have helmets available,” Gleeson says. “It’s about promoting safe riding practices for all bike riders. We will also have some cool swag and accessories for those wanting to decorate their bikes.”
Event sponsors include Amerigroup Washington, Our Community Credit Union, Timberland Bank, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, Elma Family Dental, Jodesha, Olympia Sheet Metal, Olympia Orthopaedic Associations, Olympic Dermatology and Laser Clinic, and Providence Swedish.
If you or anyone you know is looking to serve our community, consider joining our volunteer team for this years Wellness Fair! We have many different slots and jobs to choose from. High school students age 16 and over in need of community volunteer hours are encouraged to sign up for a volunteer spot. You can sign up here or send an email to Ashleigh.gleeson@sp-mc.org.
“This day presents a chance to connect with community members and learn more about the many resources available locally,” Gleeson says. “Our vision for Summit Pacific is to build the healthiest community in the nation.”
Mark your calendar today, and join the fun on Saturday, September 16 for the Summit Pacific Peak Health Wellness Fair and 5K Family Fun Run & Walk. See you there!
Sponsored
