Dr. Bill Thomas (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE — Adirondack Health and Mercy Care for the Adirondacks invite the public to attend a free Community Health Forum. This year’s Laugh & Learn program, “Engaging Aging,” will help consider ways to create a more aging-friendly community.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Bill Thomas, a global leader in the effort to challenge ageism. Best known for his health care system innovations, he is the founder of a global nonprofit organization that works to improve the care provided to older people. He developed the Senior ER model of care and is now working to transform the acute care services provided to elders.

Everyone who attends will be entered to win one of two brand-new Fitbit fitness trackers.

The evening will also feature:

¯ A health information fair with booths where attendees can learn about health offerings at Adirondack Health and throughout the community

¯ Free hors d’oeuvres

¯ A panel discussion on issues surrounding aging with Dr. Bartlomiej Szczech, orthopaedic surgeon at Lake Placid Sports Medicine; Kristina Clark, D.P.T., director of rehabilitation at Mercy Living Center; and Kathryn Schane, vice president of clinical services at Horizon Health Corporation

¯ Free day care on site.

Anyone who needs help getting to the event should contact Heidi Bailey, grant coordinator at Adirondack Health, at hbailey@adirondackhealth.org or 518-897-2735. There will also be complimentary parking assistance at the venue.