The Butler Health System’s first Home Run for Health on Saturday featured entertainment, food, games and crafts and a chance for visitors to talk with doctors, nurses and emergency responders about the services they offer.

The Butler YMCA and the Pittsburgh Pirates also partnered in the event at Kelly Automotive Park.

“We’re trying to teach people to have a healthy lifestyle and take care of themselves,” said Jana Panther, Butler Health System director of marketing and community relations.

At the midway point of the event, about 500 people had come through the park’s turnstile, Panther said.

Dr. Darren Machak told visitors about ticks and Lyme disease and gave away plastic tick removers.

“It’s great to have a community event with access to most of the public where they can learn something about their health,” Machak said.

Dr. Chad Hendrickson, a dermatologist, said protecting your skin is important for everyone to do.

“Skin cancer is the number one cancer in people. Period,” he said.

In addition to wearing sunblock to prevent exposure, everyone should get a head-to-toe examination of their skin once a year by a general care physician or a dermatologist, he said.

“Early detection is the most important part. It kills young people every year,” he said.

Physicians assistant Lisa Doverspike said she is trying to get the word out about Butler Memorial Hospital’s new palliative care program.

Palliative care deals with symptom and pain management for people who have serious or life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, congestive heart failure or neurological failures, she said.

The program started in July.

Also featured at the fair was a chance for children and adults to get an up-close view of a firetruck, ambulance and a LifeFlight helicopter.

LifeFlight has four helicopters in Western Pennsylvania that make a combined 2,400 flights a year, said nurse Ryan Traeger.

One of them is stationed at Butler Airport at all times with a three-person crew consisting of a pilot and two nurses.

Because they are only called in emergencies where a patient must be transported to Pittsburgh, most residents don’t get to see the helicopters.

“Most people don’t understand exactly what we do,” Traeger said.

Missy Jungling of Butler said she brought her two children to the park who enjoyed the activities offered.

“I think it’s a great event for the community, and it allows the kids to be active,” she said.