BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced today that a wide array of no-cost health services will be available to residents of Crawford County and all Ohioans during the 2025 GuardCare weekend, set for August 9-10 at the Trillium Event Center, 1630 E. Southern Avenue in Bucyrus.
This free healthcare initiative is a collaborative effort between ODH, the Ohio National Guard, Crawford County Public Health, the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and various local community partners.
Services include:
- Behavioral health services
- Bicycle helmets
- Blood lab work
- Blood lead level screenings
- Car Seats (and car-seat safety checks)
- Dental exams and treatments
- Financial coaching
- Immunizations for all ages
- Mammograms
- Physicals (including sports physicals)
- Vision exams and prescriptions
In addition to direct health services, a resource fair will be on site to connect attendees with local healthcare providers and offer information on critical programs such as addiction care, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), the Ohio Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, Job & Family Services, Medicaid, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio.
GuardCare hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 10. There are no income requirements for services, and no insurance information will be collected or billed.
Created in 1995, GuardCare is an annual event held in different locations across the state. The 2024 event took place in Greene County, marking its return since 2019.
“I attended this event last year, and it was really extraordinary to see how many services were provided,” said ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. “GuardCare is a wonderful program that brings a wide variety of critical health services to Ohioans who may not otherwise receive them, and we are proud to be a partner in such an important effort.”
Brig. Gen. Matthew Woodruff, Ohio adjutant general, added, “GuardCare allows the Ohio National Guard to provide free healthcare to Bucyrus and the surrounding communities while providing our members with needed medical training. This event helps to ensure that we continue to meet our mission to be Always Ready, Always There.”
The OOD mobile services unit will be available, offering dedicated staff support for individuals with disabilities, including an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for participants who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
“Our goal with this clinic is to ensure that all Ohioans – regardless of income or insurance status – have a place to turn for compassionate, comprehensive care,” said Kate Siefert, Crawford County Public Health Commissioner.
For more information about GuardCare weekend, residents can visit the Ohio National Guard website or call Crawford County Public Health at 419-562-5871.