June 7, 2017 Milford, CT – The sun was shining on June 1, as more than 150 clients, staff, volunteers and Bridges Healthcare supporters enjoyed a day of health, wellness and celebration on the Bridges campus, where the agency hosted its second annual Behavioral Health Home Health and Wellness Fair, then capped off the day with music and cake to honor its 60th anniversary.
Participants took advantage of information and health screenings offered by area providers including: nursing students from Fairfield University – “Know your Numbers;” Yale New Haven Health Mobile Mammograph; CT ACT – Hepatitis C and AIDS screenings; University of Bridgeport Clinics; Genoa Pharmacy – Narcan prescriptions; Optimus Healthcare – primary care services; St. Vincent’s Hospital -“Smoke Stoppers” and Get Healthy CT.
In addition, there were several holistic activities and therapies including: Tai Chi with Lamont Thomas; acupuncture with Chris LaCava; chair massage from Clarity Wellness Spa; yoga stretch with Sarah Finke; hula hoops with BringtheHoopla, LLC and drumming with Lydia Smith.
Therapy dogs including Benny Boo Beags from K9 First Responders greeted the crowd. Student interns from Quinnipiac University Occupational Therapy program, who are working with Bridges’ clients throughout the summer were on hand to offer support strategies. Genoa Pharmacy, Bridges’ onsite specialty pharmacy partner provided music and donated lunch, and their staff partnered with Bridges staff on the hot grills, cooking up a storm.
The Health and Wellness Fair was coordinated by Bridges’ Behavioral Health Home staff: Trish Kramer, RN, Nurse Care manager and Valerie Mallard, Behavioral Health Specialist. “The Behavioral Health Home is a vital component in Bridges’ service delivery system, helping individuals with chronic illnesses and high medical expenses learn to manage their symptoms, improve their overall health and avoid hospitalization, ” said Dawn Silver-DeAngelis, Director of Adult Outpatient Services.
Later that afternoon, clients, staff, members of Bridges’ Board of Directors, and other supporters and dignitaries, including Milford Mayor Ben Blake gathered under the big tent to sample the two anniversary cakes donated by Costco. Bridges’ CEO & President Barbara DiMauro thanked the many organizations, businesses and partners that have supported Bridges for 60 years, and congratulated the hundreds of thousands of individuals who had the courage to seek help and embrace recovery.
With music provided by local guitar artist John Shannon, the celebration ended on a note of affirmation and well-being of the Bridges community.