Late WellSpan executive, family man to be honored at Franklin County health fair

A key player in the early days of Waynesboro Hospital's health fair will be honored at this year's 37th annual event, nearly a year after his unexpected death. 

The event next month will pay tribute to Jeff Carty, who served as vice president of finance at WellSpan Summit Health until his unexpected death last May. 

Calling him a "longtime fixture" at the health fair, Melissa Dubrow, Wellspan Waynesboro Hospital's chief operating officer and vice president of operations, said he "served as a key member of the planning committee where his voice was valued for providing meaningful opinions and guidance.”

She added that he was known to pitch in with setting up the event and transporting equipment. 

But above all, Dubrow recalled a friend and colleague whose love of his family was apparent each day.

“Jeff was someone whom I admired greatly on a variety of levels. I admired him as a friend and a colleague; he was someone you could always seek counsel from and get good counsel,” she said. “But, most of all, his love of his family came through on a daily basis and that’s something that just resonates with me today.”

More:Summit Health executive who just celebrated 35 years at company dies unexpectedly on I-81

At the health fair, Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department will have its new ladder truck that was dedicated last July in Carty's memory. The late executive had helped facilitate a financial contribution from Summit Health to offset the cost of the truck. 

Carty had just been recognized for working 35 years with Summit Health, later WellSpan Summit Health, a week before his untimely death on May 17.

Carty, 55, suffered a medical event while driving that evening on Interstate 81. He was found dead when authorities responded to the scene of a one-vehicle crash in Guilford Township. 

Days later, Pat O'Donnell, president and CEO of WellSpan Summit Health, called Carty an "incredible man."  

“Not only was Jeff a respected and integral part of our leadership team, he was more importantly a friend. He was kind and genuine towards every person he worked with, and treated every situation he faced with care and respect.”

Carty left behind his wife of 31 years, Laurie E. Truett Carty, and two children, Ryan an Jenna, his obituary states. 

More:Generations of nurses join forces to improve health care in Franklin County

More:Pat O'Donnell to retire from WellSpan Summit Health in 2020

Health fair highlights

The Waynesboro Hospital Health Fair will take place 7:30 to 11 a.m. March 7 at Waynesboro Area Senior High School, 550 E. Second St. 

As in previous years, the event will offer a variety of free health information and screenings from hospital departments, WellSpan Summit Health practices and community agencies.

The hospital’s lab team will offer free cholesterol and blood sugar screenings to adults 18 and older. People who plan to have their blood tested should not eat or drink for 12 hours prior to their blood draw.

Additional free screenings and tests that will be offered include:

• Blood Pressure
• Bone Density
• Simple Lung Function
• Balance
• Grip Strength
• Diabetic Foot
• Adult Vision
• Body Composition
• Vascular

Weather permitting, the LifeNet81 Medical Helicopter will be present for fair-goers to view.

New this year, the WellSpan Summit Health Community Services team will partner with Waynesboro Area School District’s P3 Early Childhood Education staff to provide the “Be the Village” Children’s Station, which will offer fun learning activities for the whole family.

For more information, visit WellSpan.org/Events or call 717-765-4000, extension 5323.