Adirondack Health and Mercy Care for the Adirondacks have invited the public to attend a free Community Health Forum focused on ways to create a more aging friendly community.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Bill Thomas, a leader in the effort to challenge ageism. Best known for his health care system innovations, he is the founder of a global non-profit that works to improve the care provided to older people. He developed the Senior ER model of care and is now working to transform the acute care services provided to elders.

The event begins at 5 pm on Wednesday, October 23rd, at the Harrietstown Town Hall in Saranac Lake and will include a health information fair with booths where attendees can learn about health offerings throughout the community. Free daycare will be available.

There will be a panel discussion on issues surrounding aging with Dr. Bartlomiej Szczech, orthopaedic surgeon at Lake Placid Sports Medicine; Kristina Clark, D.P.T., director of rehabilitation at Mercy Living Center; and Kathryn Schane, vice president of clinical services at Horizon Health Corporation.

Free hors d’oeuvres will be available and everyone who attends will be entered to win one of two brand-new Fitbit fitness trackers.  For more information, contact Heidi Bailey at (518) 897-2735 or hbailey@adirondackhealth.org or visit the Adirondack Health website.