By Bruce Leuthold
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Glen Mar demonstrated radical hospitality to our community by hosting a health fair and blood drive. Our volunteers were friendly as they welcomed and greeted our friends and neighbors with smiles and kind words. As they entered the Gathering Place, we guided them to health services that were in accordance with their needs. When our guests left, we thanked them for attending and wished them a good day.
Our partners from the Howard County Health Department offered COVID-19 booster shots and childhood vaccinations. A bilingual health care provider was available to assist participants who spoke English and Spanish. Several parents brought their children in for their children’s required vaccinations. For some families, being able to talk to someone in their first language was a comforting and reassuring feeling to them. It ensured they received the correct vaccines and shortened their time in the clinic.
Our partners from the Howard County General Hospital skillfully offered advice to our guests when they took their blood pressure and calculated body mass index. They shared health knowledge to enable healthier behaviors and better self-care. Glen Mar’s Social Justice ministry provided information regarding how to have a conversation with our children about gun safety. Around noon, George Dohner and the kitchen crew handed out box lunches to all the health care workers and volunteers to thank them for their service. Our partners from the American Red Cross received blood donations and are responsible for ensuring that these products are available for people in need of life-saving transfusions. As a thank you, blood donors were provided refreshments and beach towels.
Hosting a health fair and blood drive is just another way that Glen Mar and its partners serve our community. If you are interested in participating or volunteering in future health fairs or blood drives, please send an email to he********@********mc.org .
