LAPLACE — River Parishes Hospital is kicking off an new seniors’ 50+ program called Senior Friends, which will go into effect Aug. 1. This program will replace the hospital’s existing Senior Advantage Program.

The hospital is holding a Senior Friends Health Fair on Friday, July 22 from 8:30 am – 11:30 am in its Medical Pavilion, located at 502 Rue de Sante, Suite 309, where seniors can gain information and/or join the program and take advantage of free health screenings, refreshments, door prizes and giveaways. Reservations for the health fair are required and space is limited.

To make a reservation, call the Marketing Department at 653-4247. Seniors interested in joining the Senior Friends Program but are unable to attend the health fair may join by calling or visiting the Marketing Department.

Senior Friends is a national, not-for-profit organization created to provide measurable benefits for people 50 and over. River Parishes Hospital’s parent corporation, LifePoint Hospitals, serves as the program administrator. With the program’s national affiliation comes an array of benefits that are available throughout the country, in addition to the local benefits offered by River Parishes Hospital..

The hospital benefits include: discounted meals, a complimentary meal for a spouse or caregiver each day the member is a patient in the hospital, a complimentary cot for an overnight guest, assistance with insurance claims, RPH Gift Shop discount, free educational seminars and free or discounted health screenings. The national benefits include: prescription discounts, eye care discounts, dental care discounts, discounts on medical air transportation, discounts on exercise products, discounts on home senior care, and an array of travel discounts including hotel accommodations and rental car.

Members will also enjoy some healthy and fun activities that will be held through out the year at the hospital. They will receive the national Friends magazine, which features the latest health and wellness information for the active, healthy 50+ members.

Membership fee for the program is $15 per member or $25 per couple for a one-year membership, or $26 per member or $45 per couple for a two-year membership.

Senior Advantage membership is not transferable to the Senior Friends Program – membership fees do apply.