Scott County Community Health Fair will feature over 35 vendors

SIKESTON — For Scott County Health Department Educator Brenda Freed, planning for the logistics of the 2024 health fair dates back a few months.

This year, community members can expect a plethora of vendors — approximately 35, in fact, at the Friday, Oct. 4 health fair, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the health department in Sikeston.

In short, there is a little something for everyone as some of the available resources include cancer screenings, lung screenings, breast cancer screenings and asthma resources, to name a few.

Also, on hand will be the Missouri State Highway Patrol, as personnel will be educating the public on car safety and car seat safety and installation.

After many years without hosting a fair, the time was right to unite the community and address and educate the public on a plethora of wellness resources that are available.

“We have not had a health fair in quite some time,” said Freed. “With the health department, after COVID, we just felt it would be good to open this back up for the community.”

For nearly 75 years, the Scott County Health Department has been a viable resource — withstanding the test of time.

“That is another thing, next year will be our 75th anniversary as a health department” said Freed. “It is just a good time to give back to the community and to say thank you for your support and let us help you by giving free resources.”

Some of the other available resources include:

— Skin cancer screenings (Missouri Delta).

— Lung screening education (Missouri Delta, survey-type screening).

— Information on breast cancer (Show Me Healthy Living), which will educate on low-cost mammograms for those with minimal or no medical insurance.

— Cholesterol and glucose checks.

— Blood pressure screenings.

— Information from area health departments on blood pressure programs (allows access to an in-home blood pressure monitor, as well as contact and support from the health department).

— Asthma care resource.

— Education on severe weather preparedness.

— Car safety education from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

— Car seat education.

— And the University of Missouri Extension Center will be available to demonstrate the ‘Blender Bike’ — which for allows for smoothies to be made while pedaling the bike.

There will also be 250 food boxes given away to the first 250 families, Freed said.

“That is just a few things that will be going on,” said Freed. “We also will be giving immunizations. So, if you are needing your COVID or flu immunizations, they will be available on-site.”

Also included will be individual nutrition, disaster relief, social services and optometry.

“One thing we wanted to bring out of this health fair is the resources that we provide,” said Freed. “So many people are not aware of the resources that we have, and we just want to showcase to show the community what the health department is all about.”

Another program that will be represented is the U.S. Foster Grandparent Program.

Added Freed: “They are always looking for volunteers to work on their projects. It is a wonderful program.”

For additional information, contact the Scott County Health Department at 573-471-4044.