Free mammograms on Women's Wellness Wednesday in Marion for those who qualify

Need to reduce your stress? Improve your sleep cycle? Is feeling “grounded” important to you? Can you spare an hour to give the gift of life? Are you without insurance but need a mammogram?

You can do it all at no cost June 5 when the Marion Women’s Club presents its third Women’s Wellness Wednesday − its outreach program targeted at improving women’s overall health, sponsored by OhioHealth, at the Women’s Club Home, 1126 E. Center St., Marion.

“We’re thrilled to again be offering free mammograms for uninsured and/or underserved women, thanks to our partnership with OhioHealth,” said Valerie Wigton, Women’s Club president. “The Mobile Mammogram Unit will be on site 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to provide free mammograms to those in need.”

Clients must schedule the service by calling OhioHealth at 614-566-1111 by Wednesday.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive inside the Abigail Harding Lewis Auditorium 9 a.m.-2 p.m. To schedule a blood donation, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcrossblood.org or use the Red Cross blood donor app.

Vision and glaucoma screenings will be provided by the Marion Lions Club.

Wellness programs begin at 4 p.m. with Marionite Mary Jane Gale presenting yoga, followed by Cardio Drumming with S&S Nutrition at 4:30.

An informal welcoming Happy Half Hour featuring heart-healthy appetizers and beverages will be available at 5 p.m., followed by a hands-on Zentangle demonstration − a form of meditative drawing using structured patterns that aid in relaxation and focus. No previous art experience or skill is required.

Spa-like wellness session to cap off the day

At 6 p.m., guests are invited to take a Radiant Pause: A Serene & Rejuvenating Wellness Session to Nourish & Support YOU, with guest speaker and former Marion resident Tecca Thompson. A certified breath coach and meditation instructor, Thompson specializes in creating safe and transformative spaces, building communities and fostering healing through shared breath, and the power of narrative.

“My work is dedicated to guiding individuals in their healing journeys, promoting connection and facilitating personal growth and resilience,” Thompson said. “Participants will leave this session feeling grounded, focused and lighter. They’ll also learn easy and practical breathing and meditation practices that will help them reduce stress and decrease anxiety.”

Participants will learn basic nervous system regulation to help increase sleep and improve mood and digestion.

Door prizes, including a Scioto Shoe Mart gift card and package and a full-year family membership to the Marion Family YMCA, will be featured.

Between sessions, guests can “visit” a variety of information, health-focused booths throughout the historic home.

“At our first Women’s Wellness Wednesday in 2022, Laurie Snyder was diagnosed with two forms of breast cancer,” Wigton said. “She’s told us over and over that she believes the Marion Women’s Club and this event saved her life. This is just one way that the Marion Women’s Club impacts our community, just as it has since our Club was formed in 1895.”

Snyder is now a member of the Women’s Club and will volunteer at the event.

For details, call/text the Marion Women’s Club & Home at 740-387-1366, visit The Marion Women’s Club on Facebook or MarionCountyFederationOfWomensClubs.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion Women's Club to present Women's Wellness Wednesday June 5