Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Munn's Chapel to host health event

The annual health fair in Nevada County will be held at a new location this year and under the direction of a new sponsor, but many of the same opportunities will be available.

Munns Chapel Baptist Church has taken the lead. The event is being called The Minister to the Whole Person Health Fair and will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the churchs Family Life Center.

According to event coordinator Patricia Blake, there are more than 30 confirmed vendors scheduled for the health fair. Breast care, family planning, depression screenings and eye screenings are just a few of those.

Nevada County Extension Agent Melissa Beck will present information about healthy gardening practices. A herb garden will be offered as a door prize.

The Prescott Lions Club will have their portable eye exam equipment available for testing childrens vision.

Information from the Stamp Out Smoking program will be available as well as substance abuse material from the Region 11 Prevention Resource Center.

The Texarkana Regional Center on Aging will administer depression screening and memory tests, and will present information on those subjects.

The Nevada County Ambulance Service will be administering free blood pressure checks.

Local officials will also be on hand with information on local programs. The Nevada County ARC, Seniors Outreach Program and Prescott Housing Authority will all be represented. The Nevada County Health Unit will offer information about WIC.

The Prescott Nevada County Health Alliance has traditionally held a health fair, complete with similar events. According to Debbie Henson, director of the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services Prescott office, the PNCHA decided to hold a series of more specific events this year.

We felt we can give them more usable information this way, Henderson said.

A breast care and heart disease awareness program held at Shady Grove Church in February was the first of the PNCHAs events. Henderson said prostate and stroke will be the topics of events planned for May.

Henderson said the hope is that it will be easier to follow up on those people who attend the smaller seminars and workshops. She said anyone who wants information about any health aspect is welcome to visit the local health office.

If we dont have what they need here, well refer them to someone who does, Henderson said.

Henderson said information diabetes, stroke, nutrition, cholesterol and other health-related topics is available at the health department.