When OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital Emergency Department Nurse Melanie Mason first considered organizing a community health and safety event, she did not anticipate its current scale. Originally inspired by her pastor at First Lutheran Church in 2022, the event was initially focused on children. Now, three years later, the Community Connections Expo has expanded to include various agencies and resources for all ages.
The event took place on May 31 at Galion Middle School, located at 474 Portland Way N. Attendees had access to educational sessions from local health agencies, safety courses, senior citizen exhibits, children's activities, contests, and a car show.
“It warms my heart to see this grow to this scale because as nurses and caregivers, all we really want is to see our community thrive and grow and stay safe and happy,” said Mason. “I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve gotten from other OhioHealth associates and their families who’ve donated their time or money to make this event successful. We’re excited to bring health and safety education to our communities.”
Exhibitors included the Galion Fire Department, Iberia Volunteer Fire Department, Galion Police Department, Bucyrus Police Department K9 Unit, Mansfield AirForce Base #179th Unit, First Lutheran Church, Galion Library, Radiant Fitness, Grief Share, Gentiva Hospice, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Poison Control Center, OhioHealth Trauma Education focusing on slips/trips/falls prevention, fire extinguisher safety demonstrations by EZ ID/Safe Surfin', American Red Cross services, Avita Home Health & Hospice care options with SCAT transport assistance available through Ohio Medicare Alert programing also provided planetarium experiences alongside God's Little Acre Farmer's Market offerings while Lifewise Academy educated attendees about Galion Royalty balloon twisting skills offered by Taylor’s team; Cub Scout Pack 106 hosted Marion-Crawford Prevention Booth displaying city department initiatives regarding car seat installations sexual health awareness campaigns managed via CCSG food assistance programs within Crawford County plus additional attractions were present.
Children enjoyed activities such as balloon twisting art face painting by Crawford Center for The Arts bouncy house fun Touch-A-Truck events bicycle safety courses games prizes giveaways photo opportunities with Elsa from Frozen Sadie Safety Panda visits planetarium displays food trucks DJ music child IDs car seat checks fitness challenges led by Radiant Fitness professionals among others.
This year's car show aimed at supporting Mill Creek Nursing Rehabilitation Center residents in Galion proceeds assisted those living on fixed incomes.