MILFORD, Del. - Local families had access to free health screenings, food, clothing, hygiene products and other community resources Wednesday during Highmark Health Options' annual Health and Wellness Day at the Food Bank of Delaware.
More than a dozen local organizations participated, offering resources focused on health care, mental health, substance use, women's health and other community needs.
Dwayne Parker, chief operating officer of Highmark Health Options, said the event was also designed to address some of the everyday challenges that can impact a person's health.
"With the high costs of food, the high cost of gas right now to even try to get to a grocery store can be very challenging for the Delaware community," Parker said. "So this is an opportunity for us to partner with the Food Bank to be able to provide those resources to people that may be challenged in those areas."
Jalyn Powell, with nonprofit OutLoud DE, said bringing organizations together also helps connect people with services beyond what any one group can provide.
"We constantly get calls about services that may not be in our wheelhouse and we don't like saying no or we can't help," Powell said. "We'll go call the people that we just met here … and we'll make sure you get the services that you need."
Powell said building those connections allows organizations to work together rather than trying to address every need on their own.
Highmark Health Options has supported several participating organizations through its Health Equity Fund, which focuses on addressing health disparities and connecting underserved Delawareans with resources.
