Every year for the past 10 years, you may have noticed signs and advertisements for Fall into Health, an event that Stevens Community Medical Center (SCMC) collaborates with community partners to develop and sponsor. Fall into Health is a community wellness initiative that serves over 400 people with growth every year, which focuses on connecting the general public to health-related community resources. SCMC collaborates with local health-related organizations providing an opportunity for the community to engage and interact with available resources, while also highlighting SCMC services.
This year, the Minnesota Hospital Association recognized Minnesota hospitals for excellence in innovation, advocacy, and leadership. SCMC was recognized with Fall into Health for the category of Community Benefit. The awards were presented at the MHA’s annual meeting in September.
“There is amazing work being done every day to provide the highest quality care to our patients,” said Dr. Rahul Koranne, president and CEO of MHA. “It is not only incredibly important to honor the teams and individuals doing this work, but also valuable to convene these frontline leaders to share and learn from each other.”
SCMC’s Fall into Health has in some years included a full slate of health education for all ages including a free community meal, free lab screenings, a health-related vendor showcase, and a breakout topic from a keynote speaker. SCMC works with many generous community businesses for locally sourced and donated items that are implemented into the FREE fall-inspired meal with nutritional information and recipes for the meal provided along with education from dietitians. Health education and information on many local services are showcased, along with numerous community health-related initiatives including chiropractic, dental, public health, fitness, medical insurance, genetic testing, resources for the aging and much more, along with a keynote speaker or breakout topic available to attendees. Previous topics have ranged from volunteerism, mental health, sports medicine, stress management, and impactful statements on hardships and coping during hard times. SCMC invites the community to join us annually in promoting and improving health for Morris and the surrounding communities. In 2023, 161 screening labs testing for glucose, hemoglobin, vitamin D, and cholesterol were completed free of charge, 412 complimentary meals were served, and 43 vendors participated in the event.
Going into their 11th year, new and exciting things are happening for Fall into Health. New this year are four breakout topics, yoga sessions, and a drawing for an electric bike. Also available at Fall into Health are free lab draws, a free community meal, and health-related info booths. Breakout topics include Dementia & Caring for the Aging, Dermatology Health, High Blood Pressure, and Closer Look at Concussions.
The event is jam-packed with activities, education, and attractions, and there’s something for everyone. Planning an event like this is no small feat. “I’d say we start planning in mid-summer and it really takes off after the fair. We do look for volunteers every year, sometimes finding the extra help is our hardest challenge,” said SCMC Marketing Director Angie Cole, “Everyone is so busy but it’s pretty cool when the event day gets here, we are this unified team of community, school, volunteers & SCMC work family. I feel pretty fortunate to be a part of it.”
Fall into Health is taking place on Monday, November 4 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Morris Area Elementary School. Daycare will be onsite if needed and provided by the Morris Area Girl Scout Troop 481. Flu shots and the COVID-19 vaccine will also be available by appointment. All Fall into Health details can be found on the SCMC website.
“To date, SCMC is the only health system in Minnesota to have a large-scale community and health focused event of this caliber. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our community for supporting Fall into Health every year and to all of SCMC staff and volunteers for helping promote our event. It truly is a team effort and hope you can join us on Nov. 4th!” says Cole.
