News : Health Fair brings in more than 500 Visitors

Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition, offered support for attendees at this year's Health Fair

Virginia Gay Hospital

Vinton Police Department with new K-9 Edo

Dr. Marcia McKenna with Wicks Chiropractic

Vinton Fire Department's Chris Staab setting up the Fire Extinguishing station

Heritage Agency on Aging

For the last several years, Virginia Gay Hospital has organized an amazing event in the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Gym. The event continues to grow!
At these events, you are made aware of all of the services necessary to keep a community safe and functioning. It's always fun to see the local Vinton Police Department with their resident K-9. This was the first year for the new pup, Edo to meet the community. He is definitely full of energy and ready to work with his handler, Sergeant Smothers.

A display for Unity Point Lifeguard Air Ambulance, a service you hope you never need, was there to talk with folks alongside the Vinton Fire Department and other EMS services. The Fire Department, a staple in our community, provided a chance for visitors to practice putting out a fire with a fire extinguisher...of sorts. Technology has made it possible to simulate pulling a pin and aiming at a "fire" on a screen. This allowed folks an opportunity to learn how to properly use the fire extinguisher if necessary, and to get advice from Fire Chief Chris Staab on how to properly aim at a fire. 

The room was filled with opportunities for education in health care resources. Virginia Gay Hospital had a great presence offering booths representing each area of services available locally from diabetes care, surgical, x-ray, respiratory and etc. 

Area businesses and organizations that assist with the overall health and well-being of residents were in attendance. Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition, a relatively new group in the area, was there with a smile to share and encourage those who arrived at their booth. The group has been working tirelessly to offer a resource for education and provide support in the community. The organization offers support for friends and families to recover from this sort of loss and offers resources in the area of prevention. 

Of course, for attendees, the goodie bags are always the highlight off the event. There were pamphlets and items to remind visitors of the day, often useful items that could be enjoyed later. Information was gathered for reading and absorption at home in their leisure time.

In all there were around 60 exhibitors and double or triple that in volunteers. 

Overall, it was a great event, as usual. It was an opportunity for the community to come together and share experiences, working together to find solutions in some of life's struggles. Thank you to all of the professionals who came out to share your expertise with our little community.