Saving Our Seniors of Mahoning Valley’s (SOSMV) 2nd annual free health and wellness fair focused on providing older adults with essential health and wellness resources on Wednesday at the Covelli Center. 
 
Over 60 health care vendors were in attendance to conduct health screenings for blood pressure, hearing consultations, oral health exams, and more. 
 
Organizers also emphasized the importance of senior citizens having a trusted patient advocate. One who addresses the physical, financial and legal aspects of a senior’s life.
 
Patient advocates help senior citizens navigate complex systems like setting up a power of attorney, managing estate planning, understanding medical information and assuring all decisions align with the senior’s wishes.
 
“That’s why it’s important to pick the person that you trust to make decisions that you would be able to make should you not be able to,” Cassandra Valentini of Direction Home of Eastern Ohio said. 
 
Health and wellness fair organizers said if a trusted friend or family is unavailable, organizations like SOSMV can help older adults with find an advocator. 
 
“Many of our seniors are not fortunate enough to have anyone. That’s why we have agencies to step up and speak out for them, such as Saving our Seniors in Mahoning Valley,” Founder of SOSMV, Krishmu Shipmon said.