PORT TREVORTON — More than 100 people traveled to the Snyder County Produce Auction on Thursday to receive a healthy dose of preventative medicine.

Evangelical Community Hospital held a free clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday for area Mennonites and the uninsured.

The big picture goal, according to Dr. David Tanner, of McKees Half Falls, is to instill in locals the importance of going for routine check-ups.

“The more word we can get out about prevention, the better,” Dr. Tanner said, noting it’s critical to help the Mennonite community understand the need for preventative medicine.

Thursday’s clinic included lab tests, vision and hearing screenings, vaccines, breast examinations and other common tests.

One Mennonite woman, who asked not to be identified, knows firsthand the lifesaving power of preventative medicine. Two of her sisters died of breast cancer, and her brother was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. She understandably was pushing her fellow community members to get mammograms on Thursday.

But even when the need for screenings is explained, the woman said not everyone follows through.

“There are still some people who refuse,” she said. “One woman didn’t want to get tested, even though her sister is dying of breast cancer. We eventually convinced her to.”

The Mennonite woman added, “This is a great service to the community.”

Kim Walters, provider relations specialist for Evangelical Community Hospital, said many Mennonites simply don’t have health care, making it cost prohibitive for them to go to the doctor on a regular basis. And many don’t seek treatment until they have a medical emergency. Also, those who rely on horse and buggy for transportation don’t have easy access to the nearest hospital.

She’s hoping Thursday’s free clinic will be the first of many sessions that will help rural residents grasp the urgent need for preventative medicine.

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