Community members are again invited to join local and regional agencies for a day of fun, prizes and information that can help you live a more healthful life.
The Luna County Health Council is hosting the 2015 Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Voiers “Pit” Park Amphitheater, located on North Country Club Road. Admission to the event is free and open to the general public.
At the event, the public will have the opportunity to visit booths manned by representatives from health care providers and other health-related organizations. The Health Council will also continue one of its most popular fair activities, the bike raffle. Bicycles and safety equipment will be raffled to youth in attendance. There will also be raffles with prizes donated by participating agencies.
“Our community faces a variety of health disparities, but there are still many fantastic providers who care deeply about you and your family’s health,” Reggie Price, Council co-chair, said. “I encourage everyone to come, but especially those who may be unaware of our area’s available services.”
At the fair, attendees will have the opportunity to have blood pressure and glucose tests provided by local clinics, Presbyterian Medical Services and Southwest Pediatric Care. Southwest Pediatric Care, a new practice in Luna County, will also offer headache and asthma questionnaires.
Several county programs are also registered to attend, including the Luna County Parents as Teachers home visiting program, Luna County Healing House, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Luna County and Luna County DWI. The DWI program will be onsite with its drunken driving simulator, which provides insight into the dangers of driving under the influence without the risk of consuming alcohol and getting into a vehicle.
“Luna County is proud to offer a comprehensive variety of community programs,” Charles “Tink” Jackson, Luna County manager, said. “Our county maintains a consistent and positive presence throughout the community, but the fair will provide a unique opportunity for the public to visit with our hard working community programs all under one roof.”
To register for the fair, agencies should contact the Health Council before Wednesday, Sept. 16 at (575) 543-6585 or matt_robinson@lunacountynm.us. There is a $10 fee to participate. Tables and chairs will be provided to participants.
The fair will coincide with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s being held by Mimbres Memorial Hospital. Proceeds from the event will benefit the non-profit Alzheimer’s Association.
Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m., with the opening ceremony at 9 a.m. There is no fee to register, as walkers will be encouraged to make their own donations or find their own sponsors to walk. Registered participants will receive a walk t-shirt after surpassing $100 in funds raised.
For more information about the walk, contact Maia Sideris-Dorame at (575) 647- 3868.
The Luna County Health Council is a coalition of local agencies, governmental entities, community members and healthcare providers which meets every month to address health issues throughout the county. It focuses on its top three priorities: teen pregnancy, healthy lifestyles and substance abuse prevention. It meets at 9 a.m. on the third Thursday of every month — except July and December — in the basement of the Luna County Courthouse, 700 S. Silver Ave.