The HSHS St. Francis Foundation and its agriculture committee will host the Farm Family event on March 23 at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, according to a March 9 announcement. The event is free and open to farmers and their families from Macoupin and Montgomery counties, offering a day focused on health, education, and community.
The Farm Family event aims to support local agricultural families by providing complimentary health screenings from 7 to 9 a.m., including comprehensive blood profile screening, prostate screening, skin cancer screening, hemoglobin A1C check, hearing check, blood pressure check, and an at-home colon cancer screening kit. Pre-registration for these screenings is required by contacting Crystal Lilley at 217-324-8564 before March 16.
A breakfast buffet will be served starting at 7:45 a.m., provided by Litchfield Family Practice Center. At 8:15 a.m., Jonathan Griffel—a local farmer active in the Farm Bureau—will speak about “What the new food pyramid means for agriculture.” Griffel has experience farming corn and soybeans as well as raising beef cattle. He has also served as an ambassador to the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting from Blackburn College.
At 9 a.m., Tom Emery, a freelance writer and historical researcher with more than forty published works, will present “19th Century Agriculture Across Central Illinois.” The event will conclude with the presentation of the St. Isidore, Friend of Agriculture Award and drawings for door prizes.
“We hope this event will be beneficial to our area farmers by providing them with health screenings, timely information on agriculture issues, and a nice meal,” said Paula Endress, St. Francis Hospital Philanthropy Manager. “We appreciate all the work of our agriculture committee members in planning this event – Lou Ellen Anderson, Eric Helgen, Erik Hyam, Jean Jubelt, Jane Martin, Bill Montgomery and Kevin Niemann.”
The Farm Family event highlights ongoing efforts to support rural communities through accessible healthcare services and educational opportunities.
