CareForce to provide free health screenings for territory's seniors

Oct. 19, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Senior citizens can get their flu shots and pneumonia vaccines and a variety of health screenings at no cost to them as CareForce 2009 makes its way across the territory next week.

"We're hoping for big, big crowds," said Rikki Nelthropp of V.I. Medical Institute.

CareForce brings a variety of organizations and individuals together to provide different health services. Blood pressure and blood glucose checks and dental, vision and foot exams will be offered.

The event is aimed at providing preventative health services to senior citizens.

CareForce started in 1996 as an initiative from the Indiana National Guard, which came to the territory to fulfill training obligations. In 2000, the V.I. Medical Institute took over the project, in collaboration with other organizations.

Currently, the V.I. Medical Institute, the V.I. National Guard, HOVENSA, AARP, United Health Group, the V.I. Health Department, the University of the Virgin Islands nursing division, licensed practical nursing programs from St. Croix and St. Thomas, Clinical Laboratory on St. Croix and Cranston Dottin Lab on St. Thomas and other community organizations partner for the event.

The times and locations for CareForce 2009 are:

- St. Croix -- from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at Sunshine Mall and from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at D.C. Canegata Complex.

- St. John -- from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29 at St. Ursula's Senior Center.

- St. Thomas -- from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Tutu.

Newstex ID: KRTB-1279-38978568