Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services is offering spring health kits to anyone over the age of 18 who has a health situation that may need monitoring of vital signs to aid in communicating with their health care practitioner. They will be available beginning Monday.

MAYVILLE – The county Office for Aging Services, through a partnership with USAging and an Aging and Disability Vaccine Collaboration grant, is offering free spring health kits designed to help individuals monitor vital signs and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

The initiative includes vaccine education, community outreach, and preparations for the 2025 flu clinics as part of a broader effort to promote preventative healthcare and reduce medical risks for older adults and vulnerable populations.

“We have worked to offer onsite vaccinations, share information, and provide access to local resources that people can rely on to manage their health,” said Dana Corwin, county Office for Aging Services director. “Our goal is to help the community understand the various services, programs, and benefits available, our mission is to guide, connect, and advocate for services and supports to help older adults remain in our community.”

The ADVC grant was brought to Chautauqua County by USAging, with the initial campaign titled “You’ve Got This.” The following year, USAging received the Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit.

“Through this grant, we have been able to provide over 5,000 vaccines to individuals over the age of 18, with a significant focus on older adults and those with disabilities and caregiving needs,” Corwin said.

The county Office for Aging Services has partnered with local senior housing facilities, community centers, independent pharmacies, commercial pharmacies and The Chautauqua Center to deliver seasonal flu and vaccine information.

“Many diseases — such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, strokes, and infections (including pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV) — can significantly affect health,” said Dr. Michael Faulk, Chautauqua County’s chief medical officer. “A strong public health approach, community involvement, and healthcare led preventative efforts can reduce medical visits, medications, expensive hospitalizations and the overall burden of healthcare costs in our county.”

The county Office for Aging Services will offer the spring health kits starting today to anyone over the age of 18, who has a health situation that may need monitoring of vital signs to aid in communicating with their health care practitioner. The kit contains a flier for all recommended vaccines for health, a wrist blood pressure cuff, a digital thermometer, a pulse oximeter that measures blood oxygen levels, and a 32-ounce reusable CHQ AGING water bottle to remind everyone to stay hydrated when feeling ill, tissue pack, and pill box.

There are 500 kits available, distributed to all three county Office for Aging Services offices in Mayville, Dunkirk, and Jamestown and are available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone. The county will collect the name and basic information of those getting kits .

“Planning for 2025 flu clinics is underway to make getting your annual flu vaccine easy for our older adults, caregivers, and front-line workers in our community,” said Corwin. “You’ve got this and Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services has you. Stay healthy and well- take care of yourselves.”