COA fair draws hundreds

With nearly 20 different health care providers in attendance that morning, the Cass County COA’s annual Health Care fair was the place to be Friday for the county’s health-conscious residents.

Around 200-300 people visited the organization’s Cassopolis complex that day, organizers said. Nearly the entire building was filled with exhibitors, offering everything from informational pamphlets to blood tests and even back massages.

The COA has been hosting the fair for the past 14 years, intending to provide a venue for people to learn more about their current health conditions in a relaxed, inviting

atmosphere, said Patty Patano, community development team leader for the COA.

“It’s not meant to serve in place of a doctor’s visit, but to for people to look at all areas related to their health,” she said.

Among the companies in attendance that morning was Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital, with employees offered free cholesterol testing to visitors. Staff with the office of AK Montgomery were also there, providing glaucoma screenings.

Several new attractions were added this year as well, including a computerized driving simulation, complete with mock-steering wheel and pedals. Users of the program could run a number of dangerous scenarios, including driving while intoxicated.

“One of our staff ended up driving into a ditch,” joked COA CEO Bob Cochrane.

With so many local health care vendors in one location, the event served as perfect place for people to get a status update on their health condition, without having to go through the trouble of making an appointment or traveling to a physician.

“It’s a great thing to take advantage of in the community,” Patano said. “We see people from all over Cass County.”