By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Silverbrook Manor in Niles will sponsor a health fair at the Niles Senior Center on Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m.

During the fair, the Berrien County Health Department will be on hand to administer free H1N1 flu shots and several area businesses and organizations including hospice groups will be on hand to provide information to the public and answer questions.

“There are so many people in our community that do not have access to all that is out there,” said Jacqueline Smith, admissions and marketing director for Silverbrook Manor.  “By having a health fair pulling in different agencies, we’re exposing them (seniors) to them (resources) for future reference.”

Smith said hospice is a big issue, and she believes many seniors and family members aren’t aware of options and choices.

Silverbrook tries to sponsor quarterly health fairs in the community, and about 40 seniors usually attend. Smith hopes by holding Tuesday’s fair at the senior center, there will be more room for people.

“My goal is to expose our seniors to as many services as we have in our area,” Smith said. “They don’t know what it is until they need it and I want them to know what’s out there before they need it.”