Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) is sponsoring the Fan Care program again this year along with Virginia Division for the Aging and Dominion Virginia Power. This program distributes free fans to older adults whose health is threatened by the lack of a cooling device in the home.
A recent study examined heat waves lasting between 3 and 15 days in California from 1999 to 2009 to determine impacts on health. The researchers found that there was on average a 7% increase in hospital admissions on the peak days of a heat wave. Particular increases were associated with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, dehydration, acute renal failure, heat illness, and mental health. (Source: The Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, January 2014)
Older adults may be at particular health risk during the summer. To qualify to receive a fan through the Fan Care program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, have a heat-related situation at home which threatens their health, and have total monthly household income at or below $1471 for a one person household or $1991 for a two person household. Distributed fans become the property of the recipient and are available on a limited, first come, first served basis.
Area residents who think they may qualify for the Fan Care program are strongly urged to call a Case Manager at one of the following Senior Centers to determine eligibility and reserve a fan.
- Staunton Senior Center, 300 Churchville Ave., Staunton, 885-4568
- Waynesboro Senior Center, 325 Pine Avenue, 943-3458
Fans will also be available in conjunction with the Farm Market Fresh for Seniors coupon distribution at both Senior Centers. The Staunton Senior Center event is Thursday, June 25, 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m. and the Waynesboro Senior Center event is Friday, June 26, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. There are no appointments needed during these two events.
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Chris Graham
