LYNN — Tuesday’s City Hall Wellness Fair was hosted by several organizations working to improve the health and well-being of residents of the city and neighboring communities.
These organizations promote all kinds of health – physical, mental and emotional – and made participants aware of the products and services they offer.
Ash Hames, outreach and intake coordinator for the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development Authority, described the agency’s lead abatement efforts aimed at reducing lead poisoning.
Hames explained that LHAND is committed to mitigating lead poisoning in children and providing more educational and financial services to reduce it.
“Many people don’t realize that infections can be transmitted not only orally, but also through things like dust, which some parents bring home from work, for example at construction sites,” Hames said. said.
Hames said LHAND has been working to address this issue by providing contractors with more information on the issue.
Hames also explained that LHAND is helping by offering lead abatement loans of up to $20,000 per home at 0% interest.
Pam Edwards, Rosa Bentley and Debbie Craig attended the fair on behalf of the Mass Senior Action Council, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to seniors and their families.
The council aims to prioritize issues facing older adults, including health care, economic security, food insecurity, housing, transportation, racial justice, long-term care, and corporate liability.
Mr. Edwards discussed how MassHealth’s asset limits have not been updated since 1989. She also discussed some of the issues the City Council has seen regarding age disparities in MassHealth.
“This is also a racial justice issue,” Edwards said.
Greater Lynn Senior Services, which provides home care, senior care options and long-term services and supports, was also in attendance and represented by Margaret Gilligan. Gilligan spoke about the work of her nonprofit, which she explained is currently focused on the Phoenix Food Hub initiative, which works to prevent food insecurity and offers nutrition classes.
“This initiative will benefit all ages, not just seniors,” Gilligan said.
She said GLSS also provides clinical and protection services, advocates for the safety and security of older adults, and provides counseling and support to those in need.
Mayor Jared Nicholson, who attended the fair, explained its importance to City Hall staff and Linn in general.
“The City Hall Wellness Fair creates a healthy and productive environment for the community and City Hall employees,” Nicholson said. “We are grateful to the organizations that participated in sharing services and opportunities so that everyone can learn about healthy living and participate in activities that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.”
