by Rachel Hunter
North Country residents are encouraged to take part in a growing health initiative when Walk With A Doc returns to the Gouverneur Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 13 at 10 a.m. This community-centered event blends movement, conversation, and connection, offering participants a chance to engage directly with local healthcare professionals in a relaxed and welcoming setting. More than just a walk, it’s an opportunity to ask questions, share stories, and take meaningful steps toward better health—together.
Organized by the Community Health Center of the North Country in collaboration with the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department and the Bridge to Wellness initiative, Walk With A Doc invites individuals of all ages and abilities to join in a morning of fresh air and open dialogue. Each event begins with a brief health talk from a local provider, followed by a group walk where participants are encouraged to move at their own pace and engage in conversation with medical professionals and neighbors alike.
Set against the familiar backdrop of the Gouverneur Fairgrounds, the walk offers a unique blend of rural charm and accessible health education. Whether attendees are seeking advice, companionship, or simply a quiet moment to walk alongside others, the event serves as a reminder that wellness is not a solitary journey—it’s built through community, connection, and shared purpose.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press may recall that Walk With A Doc was founded in 2005 by Ohio cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir, who believed that meeting patients outside the clinic could inspire lasting lifestyle changes. What began as a local effort has since grown into a global movement, with chapters in hundreds of communities—including several across St. Lawrence County.
Locally, the program has flourished thanks to strong partnerships and enthusiastic participation. Events have been held at the Gouverneur CSD Middle School and the fairgrounds. Each walk is tailored to the needs of the community, with topics ranging from heart health and nutrition to mental wellness and chronic disease prevention.
Among the dedicated providers joining the September walk is Brittany Terpstra, PA, a physician assistant with the Community Health Center of the North Country. Terpstra is known for her compassionate care and her ability to connect with patients beyond the exam room. Her presence at Walk With A Doc reflects the program’s mission to break down barriers between providers and patients, creating a space where questions are welcomed and relationships are built. Whether she’s discussing preventive care or simply walking alongside a participant, Terpstra brings warmth, expertise, and encouragement to every step.
Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is more than a wellness event—it’s a movement rooted in rural resilience, neighborly support, and the belief that health begins with connection. With future walks planned across the region, the message is clear: better health starts with a single step, and no one has to walk alone. The event is free and open to all. No registration is required. Just bring comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk, talk, and take part.
For more information, visit walkwithadoc.org or contact rbabowicz@chcnorthcountry.org. Let’s walk together, Gouverneur. See you at the fairgrounds.