Town of Lysander and Oswego Health Partner to Offer Free Hernia Screenings at Big Rigs Show and Volunteer Recruitment Festival

(Lysander, NY —June 12, 2026) The Town of Lysander and Oswego Health are partnering to bring free hernia screenings to attendees of the Big Rigs Show and Volunteer Recruitment Festival, providing convenient access to specialized healthcare while celebrating the community's first responders, volunteers, and families.

The free screenings will be offered by Dr. Michael Danise, board-certified general surgeon with Oswego Health Medical Practice, during the event on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lysander Town Park, 8439 Smokey Hollow Road, Baldwinsville. The festival features fire trucks, emergency vehicles, heavy equipment, family activities, and opportunities to learn about volunteer firefighting and emergency service organizations throughout the region.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Dr. Danise in a private consultation area established specifically for the event. During the screening, individuals can discuss any concerns related to hernias, receive an evaluation and diagnosis, and learn about available treatment options. If additional care is needed, patients can be connected directly to Oswego Health's surgical team for follow-up evaluation and treatment. Representatives from Oswego Health will also be available throughout the event to answer questions about primary care, specialty services, surgical care, and other healthcare resources available across the health system.

“Hernias are incredibly common among individuals who routinely perform heavy lifting, including firefighters, emergency responders, tradespeople, and many others who serve our communities,” said Dr. Danise. “Unfortunately, many people ignore symptoms or delay seeking care because they’re busy, unsure of what they’re experiencing, or simply don’t have the time. By bringing these screenings directly to the community, we’re making it easier for people to address concerns early, understand their options, and prevent small issues from becoming larger health problems. Whether someone is an active firefighter, considering volunteering with their local department, or simply has concerns they’ve been putting off, this is an opportunity to get answers from a specialist in a convenient setting.”

As a nonprofit healthcare system, Oswego Health continues to focus on expanding access to care and meeting patients where they are. The partnership reflects the organization’s commitment to providing healthcare services beyond traditional clinical settings and creating opportunities for community members to engage with healthcare providers in convenient and approachable ways.

Earlier this year, Oswego Health expanded into Onondaga County with the opening of Oswego Health Medical Practice – Clay, located at 3448 State Route 31, Baldwinsville, offering primary care services and on-site laboratory testing for patients ages five and older. The Clay location represents the healthcare system’s first expansion into Onondaga County and serves as part of Oswego Health’s ongoing investment in improving access to care throughout Central New York.

Beginning in July, community members interested in learning more about surgical services will also have the opportunity to establish care closer to home, as Dr. Danise begins seeing patients at Oswego Health Medical Practice – Clay. General Surgery will become one of several specialty services rotating through the practice, further expanding access to expert care in Onondaga County.

“At Oswego Health, we believe healthcare should be accessible, convenient, and present within the communities we serve,” said Mike Becallo, Community Relations Representative of Oswego Health. “Whether that’s opening a new medical practice in Clay, bringing specialty services closer to patients, or creating opportunities like these free screenings, our goal is to remove barriers to care and connect individuals with the healthcare services they need. By offering private consultations with Dr. Danise and providing information about the many services available through Oswego Health, we’re making it easier for people to take an important step toward better health.”

The addition of free hernia screenings further enhances an event designed to connect residents with local volunteer fire departments and showcase the important role emergency responders play in protecting the community.

“The Big Rigs Show and Volunteer Recruitment Festival is all about bringing people together and highlighting the organizations and individuals who make our community strong,” said Carter Smith, Town of Lysander Parks and Recreation Supervisor. “Adding a healthcare component through our partnership with Oswego Health creates even greater value for attendees. Not only can families explore the trucks and equipment, meet local first responders, and learn about volunteer opportunities, but they can also take advantage of a free health screening that could make a meaningful difference in their lives. The addition of a private health screening area and access to healthcare information makes this event even more valuable for attendees and reflects our shared commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our community.”

The Big Rigs Show and Volunteer Recruitment Festival is free and open to the public. In addition to the hernia screenings, attendees can enjoy food, family activities, interactive exhibits, and hands-on opportunities to explore fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and other large equipment while learning more about volunteer opportunities within local fire departments and emergency service organizations.

For more information about the event, visit the Town of Lysander website. To learn more about Oswego Health Medical Practice, surgical services, or healthcare providers available in Oswego and Onondaga counties, visit OswegoHealth.org.