TRENTON — The Jones County Health Department will sponsor the county’s first health fair Saturday.
The Community Health Fair is a free event held at the Jones County Civic Center.
In his first couple of months on the job, James Franks, local WIC (Women’s Infants and Children’s) director, decided raising awareness about healthcare was a priority. He said he and a small group of volunteers had only a month to plan the event.
“It’s been a lot of work,” he said. “We actually had a community health grant, and this is what makes it all possible.”
The grant could have gone toward a number of things, Franks said, but the health fair was the best way to spend it.
“The purpose of the fair is to bring health and safety awareness to Jones County,” Franks said. “We’re going to introduce a lot to the community.”
Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, several fitness classes, healthy-eating demonstrations and giveaways will take place. Medical examiners will be on site for a variety of health screenings, including blood pressure, breast health and physician consultations. Prizes from drawings include television sets, game systems and exercise equipment.
Multiple vendors will also be set up.
“I’m hoping the giveaways will draw a crowd,” said Franks, who anticipates at least 200 participants. “We try to target all ages, from children on up to senior citizens.”
He said the major takeaway is people at least get to try healthy activities first-hand.
“Being in a rural area, a lot of times people are not exposed to a lot of things,” Franks said. “A lot of times, people just need to see. There have been a lot of different health issues that are going on.
“We want to bring awareness.”
The healthy cooking demo is scheduled after a Zumba and hula hoop fitness class, with lunch served at 11 a.m. The screenings and giveaways will close the event Saturday.
But it’s about more than fun and games.
“Awareness — that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m doing it,” Franks said. “That’s why I chose to do the health fair.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
If You Go
What: Jones County Community Health Fair
When: Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Jones County Civic Center