MUSKEGON — Health, Wellness & Recovery Picnic (HWR), Muskegon County’s largest health resource fair, will be returning to Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Thursday, Aug. 19.
HWR 2021 is organized by HealthWest and will give residents access to more than 75 local health and human service providers.
“This pandemic has shown just how crucial the work done by our local health and human service organizations is to the wellbeing of Muskegon County residents,” said HealthWest Executive Director Julia Rupp. “The Health, Wellness & Recovery Picnic is an excellent way for any Muskegon County resident to connect with local organizations to find the help they may need.”
HWR 2021 will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, in Hackley Park. The event is completely free and includes resource booths from more than 75 local health and human service providers, depression screenings, COVID-19 vaccinations, children’s activities, music from Plain Jane Glory, raffle giveaways and even a free picnic lunch for the first 1,000 attendees.
HealthWest canceled HWR in 2020 due to the pandemic but decided to bring the event back in 2021 after consulting with Public Health – Muskegon County on how it can be done safely despite the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
“We know Muskegon County residents need assistance now more than ever,” said Rupp. “That’s why our team has worked to find a way to host this event as safely as possible.”
Despite the event taking place outdoors, mask usage is being encouraged whenever participants are unable to remain at least 6 feet away from others. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided for free during the event. Free COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available during the event.
In addition to the traditional picnic favorites, this year’s event will feature resources for job seekers looking for a career in the health or human services field with exhibitors having hiring information on-hand.
This free event is made possible thanks to generous sponsorships from Mercy Health, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, West Michigan Works, Redi Rental, Molina Healthcare, Call 2-1-1 and others.
HealthWest is the Community Mental Health Service Provider for Muskegon County and is a federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic demonstration site. It serves roughly 7,000 people annually with behavioral health needs, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or substance use concerns.