By: ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Residents will have the opportunity to connect with dozens of local organizations and health resources during the fifth-annual Ellis County Community Resource Fair Thursday at Big Creek Crossing.
The event will be hosted by the Ellis County Health Department and will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature more than 40 vendors focused on both mental and physical health, along with activities, prizes and health services for attendees of all ages.
Ellis County Health Department Director Melissa Miller said the event was created to help residents learn about the many resources available throughout the community.
“In an effort to make the community aware of what's out there, it seemed like a good idea to get them all in the same place,” Miller said. “That way people can just walk through and give those entities a chance to talk to people and see them face to face, and people can ask questions.”
In addition to information from health services organizations, the health department will also offer $25 sports physicals for students preparing for the upcoming school year.
"Lots of parents try to get them done right in before school," Miller said. "Our hope is to help parents out and just get it done at the beginning of summer."
Attendees can also enjoy popcorn and enter to win prizes. Both children and adults will have opportunities to win summer-themed goodie baskets containing items such as bubbles and water guns.
Miller said one of the event's primary goals is promoting preventive care. The more than 40 participating organizations provide services and resources designed to help residents maintain their health and well-being before problems become more serious.
“Just come and see what all is available to you in your area,” Miller said.
The fair also serves as an introduction to resources that residents can access year-round. If attendees discover a service that interests them, they can follow up with organizations after the event.
Among the issues currently affecting the community, Miller said foot care and services for older adults remain significant. and Information on both will provided at the event.
A giant inflatable colon designed to educate visitors about colon health and screenings will be on site.
“it will be massive,” Miller said. “You can come and get your picture taken in a drying colon. It's to make people aware of what your colon looks like, colon screenings, that sorta thing.”
Some of the organizations that have registered so far include: High Plains Mental Health Center; Heartland Dermatology, which will provide free skin cancer screenings; Exact Science; Alcoholics Anonymous; Child Care Aware; and First Call for Help.