Open To Somerset County Residents

The public is invited to attend the annual free North Plainfield Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Senior Citizen / Community Center, located at 614 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield 07060, at the corner of Greenbrook Road and Clinton Ave.

Somerset County residents will have an opportunity to browse and learn about various programs and services offered by participating organizations, as well as take advantage of health screenings and receive a flu shot.

“Fall is a good time to begin thinking about making better health choices before the busy holiday season,” said Freeholder Mark Caliguire, public health and safety liaison. “It’s important to learn what we can do to stay healthy so we can enjoy our lives to the fullest and take part in all that life has to offer.

“The annual health and wellness fair promotes active, healthy living through physical fitness, good nutrition and preventative care,” said Freeholder Caliguire. “It’s a good opportunity for residents to learn about available community-based programs that are offered through a partnership with the Somerset County Health Department and community agencies.”

Participating organizations will include the Somerset County Health Department, Overlook Medical Center-Community Health Department, Community Visiting Nurse Association, Med Lab Diagnostics, American Diabetes Association and Raritan Audiology.

Flu shots will be provided to adults, 18 years old and above, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  The cost will be $5 for North Plainfield residents, $10 for non-residents and free for all Medicare Part B recipients. Eligible participants, age 65 and over, should bring their Medicare card with them to receive the flu shot free of charge.

To avoid delays in filling out paperwork and also to make the flu-shot process easier, participants are encouraged to sign up ahead of time online at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health. To register for the North Plainfield event, click on the green “Schedule an Appointment” button, enter “07060” in the “zip” box, click on “Search,” select “North Plainfield Community Center Flu Clinic,” click on the “Register” button and then select a time slot. 

Also, a comprehensive blood screening, for which 12- hour fasting is required, will be offered from 8:30 to 11 a.m. This complete blood count test (CBC) includes liver, kidney and lipid profiles. The cost will be $20 for North Plainfield residents and $30 for non-residents.

Payment for the flu shot is by cash only and cash or check for the CBC.

Pre- registration is required for the comprehensive wellness blood screening. To register, contact the Somerset County Health Department at 908-231-7155 before Oct. 12.

For more information, contact Cynthia S. Kusorgbor, health educator/risk communicator, at 908-231-7155 or by e-mail at Kusorgbor@co.somerset.nj.us .