A health fair will be hosted at the Nolan Center next Sat., April 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. The Alaska Health Fair is a statewide nonprofit, which has been working since its founding in 1980 to provide Alaskans with affordable blood tests, screenings, and health education. They conduct almost 100 community events a year across the state, according to their website. Health Educator Haleena Vanveem, health director with SEARHC, is helping to organize the Wrangell Health Fair. She has helped to put together a health fair in Sitka previously, she said. While working in Wrangell is different and has its own unique challenges to Sitka, she said, she is still happy to help out people from the same region.
“Southeast just feels like one big home,” she said.
The health fair is offering numerous different tests at the fair, at a cheaper rate than what people would find at a hospital. For example, a comprehensive blood chemistry screen, which covers things like infections, liver diseases, muscle function, and other things, will only be $45. Other tests include thyroid screenings for $35, prostate disease screenings for $25, blood typing for $20, and much more. Vanveem said that the fair is a great opportunity for people without insurance, or people whose insurance will not cover such tests, to check on their health. These tests are important, she says, because they provide a good glimpse into a person’s overall health.
“I think it’s important because, first and foremost, prevention is key,” she said. “If something is changing in your body, it’ll show up in these tests.”
Betty Reith, director of the Alaska Health Fair, said that test results will be sent out via mail within two to three weeks of the fair. The blood tests are available to anyone 18-years-old and older. Payments can be made with cash, checks, or credit cards.
The health fair, she added, is tentatively planned to be an annual event, but that is a decision to be made by SEARHC. Reith also said that the health fair is the end of a month of reduced-price blood tests. All through the previous month, she said, hundreds of people took the opportunity to visit the hospital for blood tests at a reduced price. The fair is the last opportunity for those in the near future.
Martha Pierson, with SEARHC, added that they will be asking attendees to fill out an evaluation form at the fair. This is meant to help SEARHC learn what people like about the fair, and what they want to see changed. These forms will also count as tickets towards door prizes they will be giving out at the end of the fair, Pierson added.
“It’s going to be a fun place to be,” Reith said. “A lot of great educators, a lot of local educators.”
Besides getting tests done, Vanveem said the health fair is a good opportunity to learn about what health resources are available in one’s community. Local organizations will be present at the fair to pass out information, she said. She also added that they are looking for volunteers for the fair, as well. Anyone wanting to help out during the fair can just show up the morning of, or can contact her at helenav@searhc.org or by phone at (907) 966-8914.
“It’s not just about the blood draws, it’s about community support,” she said. “Please come check us out.”
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