Community Health and Support

The SEICAA office, which is also to location of the Food Bank, is a place that is devoted to bringing together people and resources, especially for those with otherwise limited access.  

Last week, Pocatello Free Clinic Outreach Coordinator Pam Milkowski was joined by Ann Schweitzer and Cristal Castillo for “Community Outreach Day” at the SEICAA location.  

Free health services were available free of cost for those who needed them.  Insurance was not needed, and everyone who sought services was seen.

Services that were offered included STI and STD screening, HIV testing, Hepatitis C screenings, blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, and pregnancy testing.  In addition, social services representatives from the clinic were on site to share information about clinic and community services, and to help answer questions about how to connect with sometimes distant seeming care professionals.

Educational materials, prizes, and a variety of informational materials were available at the booth, set up just outside the SEICAA offices.  

At present, the Pocatello Free Clinic plans to visit town once a month to provide similar screenings and information.  The plan is to visit on the second Wednesday of the month, which will be February 11.  

Milkowski noted that this was the clinic’s first visit to Soda Springs, and was largely focused on getting to know more about the makeup of the community, and areas of local need.  Based on what they learned, she notes that there may be an opportunity for a medical provider to accompany them on future visits for appointments.  

“We want people to know that there are places they can go for their needs.  It can seem overwhelming sometimes, but there are ways we can help,” Milkowski said. 

Food Bank

Wednesday was also the Food Bank day, and SEICAA’s Renae Lynch was joined by the members of Beta Sigma Phi as they sorted and stocked Food Bank donations.  While holiday donations were generous and helped to provide local families and individuals much needed food and  supplies, the spring can see a reduction in donations.  It has often been noted by food pantries  that there is something of a slump after the seasonal peak. 

The tireless ladies of the Food Bank are wonderful to visit with--stop by and say hello!

“We’re still good for now,” Marilyn Kukachka said.  “But we are trying to have more fresh fruits, vegetables, and things like that.”  The Food Bank is also taking donations of winter clothes, and would love to see more clothing (gloves, hats, coats, etc) that are in good condition come through.  “There is definitely a need.”

Donations may be dropped off at the SEICAA office, located in the parking lot just north of the Soda Springs Police offices and Sims Funeral Home.  Items should be delivered during office hours--9 A.M.- 4 P.M.,  Mondays and Wednesdays to ensure they are properly handled and received.  If you are struggling to keep yourself and/or family fed, please come check out the Caribou County Food Bank.