WATERSMEET, Mich. (WLUC) – People got first-hand knowledge about their health at the Lac Vieux Desert Health Center on Saturday.
The center held its 6th annual health fair, and the fair’s goal is to educate residents about their health. Patient Michelle Hazen says having a local facility means so much for the community.
“We’re able to get some health care here right here in Watersmeet,” Hazen said. “We don’t have to drive 60 miles, 90 miles for healthcare.”
The center’s importance is proven by the health fair’s turnout. Center Health Administrator Sadie Valliere says the fair sees 500 participants every year.
She says it’s a chance to share the multitude of services the center offers. Participants could try more than 10 medical screenings, such as coordination or glucose levels.
Valliere says the center is vital for the surrounding underserved communities.
“We are one of the only places in the U.P. providing primary care, dental services, behavioral health, all of the services I mentioned, under one roof, and we accept Medicaid at our facility,” Valliere said.
The center also celebrated breaking ground for its expansion project. The new wellness facility will include physical and chiropractic therapy and a fitness center.
Health and Wellness Coach Jake Witt says this brand-new facility opens up new opportunities for the community that weren’t there before.
“I think that’s a big barrier for a lot of people in this area, just not having accessibility to those services, and that’s what we want to do by building this expansion,” Witt said.
Witt says the fair and center wants everybody to get better, healthier and stronger.
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