Local nonprofits say there's a wealth of resources for seniors in Napa County, but the word isn't getting out.

Spurred by low utilization rates, the Senior Committee of the Napa Valley Coalition of Nonprofits is presenting a series of events to introduce the county's 19,000 seniors to the help and support that's available.

The first "Passport to Healthy Living: Mind, Body and Spirit" was held Thursday in the courtyard of Napa Valley College's Upvalley campus. The turnout was small, but organizers hope the 25 seniors who attended will spread the word and increase attendance at the two upcoming events in American Canyon and Napa.

"We're really trying to get seniors involved in learning about the resources," said Kristin Einberger, program manager of Adult Day Services of Napa Valley. "If we can get them to take care of their health and well-being, then we will be successful," Einberger said.

Participants ranged from the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer's Association, to travel agencies and local health clubs. There were booths, panel discussions, drawings, a walking labyrinth and piles of handouts and brochures. Topics covered stress reduction, improving memory, volunteerism, transportation, physical activity, nutrition, reading and higher education, recreation, holistic health and leisure travel.

There was also a focus on smoking cessation -- helpful, since recent studies have shown Napa County adults 65 and older have one of the highest smoking rates in the state. According to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Napa, Shasta and Sacramento counties report the highest rates in the state -- 12 percent -- while San Francisco, at 5 percent, has the lowest. Nationally, 9.7 percent of seniors are current smokers.

Sandra Sparby-Clarke, director of community services for the Napa and Lake Counties Cancer Society, said high smoking rates among seniors is partly attributable to the fact that they were raised in an era where smoking wasn't considered unhealthy.

"We know that seniors have been smoking for a long, long time," Sparby-Clarke said. "The government handed them cigars as part of their rations (for World War II)."

Einberger said the event could return annually. The event was funded through a one-time grant from the Board of Supervisors and Tobacco Master Settlement Funds, composed of fines paid by the tobacco industry.

Subsequent events will be held at the Fairgrounds Mobile Home Park in American Canyon on Aug. 31, and The Meadows in Napa on Sept. 14.

For details, call Einberger at 258-9087.