The Brandywine Health Foundation, Coatesville Area Senior Center, Chester County Food Bank, and PECO are partnering together this summer to distribute 100 fans to older adults in the City of Coatesville.

The distribution, in combination with screening for healthy food options, will take place today, July 29, from 10 AM-2 PM at the Senior Center, located at 250 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (formerly Harmony Street) in Coatesville.

• PECO will provide 100 fans for distribution to low-income households with a priority distribution to older adults.
• The Senior Center will screen recipients for access to Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers and provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages.
• The Chester County Food Bank will be onsite with its Fresh2You Mobile Market (for display only) and will screen recipients for eligibility in the senior food box program.

“Our senior population in the City of Coatesville are at the greatest risk, especially during the summer months, due to extreme heat, social isolation, and their increased susceptibility to heat exhaustion, particularly if they live in environments where they don’t have air condition or simply can’t afford to pay the electric bill if they choose to use it,” said Vanessa B. Briggs, president and CEO of the Brandywine Health Foundation. “We are excited to partner with the Coatesville Area Senior Center, the Chester County Food Bank, and PECO in their fan distribution program. This is a phenomenal way to address the many social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by our most vulnerable population: our seniors.”

“For more than 12 years, PECO has provided thousands of free fans to low-income families and vulnerable adults, so they can stay safe and cool during the summer,” said Mike Innocenzo, PECO’s president and CEO. “As temperatures rise, it is important to ensure that our community members, especially older adults at risk for heat-related illnesses, have access to cooling devices.”

“We are pleased to work closely with our community partners to provide this opportunity to the City of Coatesville,” said Bill Pierce, the Senior Center’s Executive Director. “Fan distribution events are an important step in preventing heat-related emergencies for older adults. Extreme heat is dangerous to everyone, particularly older adults, and we want to remind everyone that places like the CASC are open as ‘public cooling stations’ during periods of extreme heat. Please feel welcome to seek relief from the heat by visiting CASC.”

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