Franklin Regional set to host public health, wellness fair

The Franklin Regional School District has a health services department. But when district officials began discussing ideas for a health and wellness fair, they decided to expand beyond the student body.

The district’s April 29 community health fair will be open to the public, bringing more than 40 local health and wellness vendors into one location.

“We’ve tried reaching out to families before for individual events, but the school district is central to the community, and we have so many resources we can tap into to make something like this a one-stop shop,” Franklin Regional Middle School nurse Beth Frydrych said.

One of those resources is the University of Pittsburgh’s Maximizing All Potentials program, which provides social service liaisons such as Cara Kelly and Georgette Ayres. It undertakes research, public service and training for youth drug and alcohol prevention and the promotion of adolescent mental health.

“We’ve done some events before, but not something of this magnitude,” Kelly said. “We thought, if we’re going to do it, let’s pool as many community resources as we can at one time.”

Vendors include health and wellness providers across the spectrum, from drug recovery nonprofit Sage’s Army to the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders, Westmoreland County Behavioral Health, Westmoreland Casemanagement and emergency service providers such as Murrysville Medic One and local fire companies.

“We also wanted to include student clubs centered around health and wellness, like the FR vs. Cancer Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Caring Team (for Grieving Students),” Kelly said.

The public nature of the fair also meant providing resources for older members of the area.

“Murrysville Medic One will focus on recognizing the signs of a stroke or cardiac emergency,” Frydrych said. “And other vendors like the Murrysville Garden Club and Stretch Lab Murrysville will be there with information.”

“We want to make sure people know it’s a public, community event,” Franklin Regional Communications Director Tina Gillen said.

“It’s kind of a win-win for us and for local businesses,” Frydrych said. “This is a great way for them to introduce themselves to the community. I think there will be something for people of every age.”

The fair will take place from 4:15-7 p.m. April 29 at Franklin Regional Middle School, 4660 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

For more information, see FRSDk12.org, email ckelly@frsdk12.org, or call 724-327-5456.