Rockville Centre residents get a golden opportunity for health awareness

For the 8th consecutive year, Sen. Dean Skelos hosted a Golden Gathering Senior Health Fair at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center. The Oct. 22nd event generated a large turnout, with an estimated 1,200 - 1,400 flu shots distributed to those who stopped by.

“It’s a great event,” said Tom Locascio, Skelos’s director for district operations. “We love helping the community and offering our services each year.”

Medical staff from South Nassau Communities Hospital attended the Golden Gathering. With the help of nursing students from Molloy College, they ran the flu shot portion of the event. Free blood pressure and diabetes screenings were also offered by the medical staff.

In total, approximately 60 vendors participated in the event, including the Rockville Centre Library and the Police Department. Also in attendance from the village were representatives from the Sandel Senior Center and SportSet.

Those who wanted flu shots waited in line outside, and when they made their way into the Rec Center, they were required to fill out HIPAA privacy forms. As a token of appreciation, Skelos provided free carry bags to the seniors who waited patiently in line for the free vaccination.

“Our goal with the Golden Gathering is to help spread health awareness and provide proper treatment,” Skelos said. “We hope we can continue doing this great service in the years to come too.”