Rather than waiting on hold or for an email reply, veterans and seniors will have a chance this week in Macomb to sit down face-to-face with dozens of local, state, and federal agencies.
The Veteran and Senior Fair, sponsored by state Rep. Dan Swanson and McDonough District Hospital, runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Spoon River College Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St.
Swanson said his office regularly fields calls from people across the district needing help with Medicaid, housing, or property tax questions — and many older residents don't have easy access to computers to research services on their own.
"We try to bring the people to the vendors there from all different walks of life and let the seniors or the veterans or the family members determine which is most important to them," Swanson said.
Swanson emphasized the free resource fair is also for caregivers, not just veterans and seniors.
About 55 vendors are expected, including state and federal VA offices, the Illinois Secretary of State and Attorney General, the McDonough County Farm Bureau, and area legal, home healthcare, and assisted living providers from across the region.
McDonough District Hospital will also staff tables for its pharmacy, home health, physical therapy, and wound care clinic. There will also be free blood pressure screenings and refreshments.
This is the second year McDonough District Hospital has partnered with Swanson to bring the event to Macomb.
“This is a great opportunity not only if you’re in Macomb but in the surrounding areas to come and get some great answers for the questions you may have on the resources,” said Patrick Osterman, vice president for business strategy at MDH.
Event highlights: blood pressure checks, vendor information, giveaways and prizes, free refreshments, and a retired flag drop-off.
When/Where: 9 a.m. noon, Thursday, Sept. 17, Spoon River College Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson St., Macomb. Free and open to the public.
Info: swanson@ilhousegop.org or (309) 334-7474.
