Minority Health Fair in Mansfield

Last Saturday, I woke up bright dark and early to make the trip to Mansfield for the Minority Health Fair sponsored by the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. The M/O/R Health Department must be thanked. Not only did they host an event that offered health services and free food to their community, they're also an active Benefit Bank site. That meant that we could immediately refer anyone who appeared eligible for benefits to their booth and they would set up an appointment.

The event also featured my first ever radio interview. Mansfield's own Mix 106.1 (WVNO-FM) was there to inform their listeners of the event. I did a one minute spot on the Benefit Bank and tried to convince people that their Saturday was better spent seeing if they were eligible for benefits rather than being outside and enjoying the gorgeous weather. It was an uphill battle but we did have a few curious attendees stop by to see if they may be eligible for prescription assistance or food stamps.

As always, it was an enlightening experience to go to a new town to speak to people who need assistance. Mansfield's unemployment rate is above the Ohio average, so there were many people there who needed help. Hopefully we pointed them in the right direction.