By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish Officials will be holding a free event Saturday to promote health and wellness among older adults in the region.

The parish’s first Meet the Pharmacist Day, for senior citizens 55 and older, will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. John YMCA Center inside the New Wine Christian Fellowship complex, 1921 Airline Highway, LaPlace.

St. John spokesperson Paige Braud said the outreach event will provide older adults an opportunity to meet with volunteer licensed pharmacists to receive information regarding their medications. Braud said participants will receive one-on-one consultations regarding drug interactions, potential contraindications and side effects of medications.

Information regarding diabetes, blood pressure, fall prevention and wellness will also be provided by exhibitors, Braud said. Each participant will also receive a “Vial of Life,” a critical information tool that is used to provide information regarding current medications, allergies and diagnosis. The “vial” will be accessible to first responders in the event of a 911 call.

Braud said the event includes a guest speaker from Xavier University and a free lunch. Door prizes will be given out as well.

Pre-registration is required for this event as it is limited to 200 people, but spots are still available. Transportation will also be provided for those in need. For registration and transportation requests please call 985-359-0143.

The parish is also seeking sponsorships from local organizations to ensure the event remains free. Braud said funding from sponsorships will be used to help pay for food, lagniappe bags, supplies and other event expenses. For a sponsorship fee of $50 and $150, all sponsors will be given a table for distribution of information about their services and resources provided to senior citizens. Sponsors can also hand out any marketing material they wish.

Organizations wishing to sign up should contact the parish office at 985-652-9569.