Parkersburg, W.Va. (June 6, 2022) – Coplin Health Systems, Minnie Hamilton Health Systems and the Ritchie Regional Health Center, in conjunction with several partners including WVU Parkersburg, will be holding a FARMACY course to educate participants on the benefits of eating nutritious and provide them with health screens for a1C, high blood pressure, lipids and weight.

Participants of the program must be 20 to 65 years old and not previously been diagnosed with hypertension, stroke or cancer. It is preferred that participants live in a rural community, have an income at 200% or below the federal poverty rate, are racial/ethnic minorities or have a disability.

“The FARMACY is a dynamic program that addresses health from a variety of angles. We provide participants access to healthy food, vital health screenings, and education that helps improve healthy habits, including healthy eating and information about primary care,” said Sarah Barton, senior projects manager at Coplin Health.

In the weekly 30-minute course, participants will participate in food demos, learn new recipes, and gain information about health problems. The first and tenth week of the course will provide opportunities to receive free health screenings for a1C, blood pressure and weight.

In addition to learning about eating healthy, course participants will receive a large portion of fresh fruits and vegetables and heart-healthy food that can be used at home to jumpstart their behavioral changes recommended in the program.

Courses will be taught during the following times:

• Elizabeth Baptist Church
• June 21 – August 30: Tuesdays, 1 or 2 pm

• Jackson County Jr. Fairgrounds
• June 22 – August 24: Wednesdays, 9 or 11 am

• Minnie Hamilton Hospital (Grantsville)
• July 15 – September 16: Fridays, 10 or 11 am

• Ritchie Regional Health Center (Harrisville)
• July 12 – Sept 13: Tuesdays, 3 or 4 pm

• Parkersburg Senior Center – Market Street Location (Parkersburg)
• June 21-August 30: Tuesdays, 9 or 10 am

“Achieving and maintaining good health requires active participation in multiple healthy habits, and we want to support participants wherever they are in the process of reaching their goals,” Barton said.

Those interested in participating can fill out the referral form here. For more information, contact Sarah Burton at 304.679.6680 or at sarahb@coplinhealth.com.