File photo
Clovis Community College nursing student Krystal Gonzales gives her instructor, Gayle Richerson, a flu shot during the 2013 Roosevelt General Hospital health fair. The 2014 RGH health fair will feature free screenings and flu shots as well as bike helmet fittings and car seat clinic.
By Joshua Lucero
Staff writer
jlucero@cnjonline.com
Roosevelt General Hospital is making it easier for area residents to stay healthy this fall.
RGH is holding its fourth annual health fair from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday.
The fair will feature free screenings that include those for blood pressure, vision, and diabetes.
The first 400 adult attendees will have the option to receive free flu shots, according to RGH Marketing Specialist Greg McFarland.
Visitors will also be able to talk with RGH nurses at the “ask a nurse” station.
Leaming said everyone attending the fair will be screened in their cars before entering the facility by RGH staff due to recent Ebola cases in the U.S.
Patients will be asked about recent travel and if they have had contact with anyone who has traveled from Africa as a precaution.
McFarland said the event drew about 700 visitors in 2013, and the hospital expects to have more than 1,000 attendees this year.
“The beauty of the health fair is that it’s an opportunity to give back to the community,” said RGH CEO Dr. Larry Leaming. “A lot of people can come and get everything checked out.”
Leaming said the fair is also an opportunity for residents to check out the hospital and get to know the staff at RGH.
“It (the health fair) is a good thing for the community. It’s great for early detection.” Leaming said.
Leaming said the screenings help a few people each year to detect an issue before it becomes serious.
In addition to the free screenings, RGH will be charging $35 for a blood screening panel that would normally cost $1,200, according to hospital officials.
McFarland said those interested in the blood screening can have their blood drawn anytime today or between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
Screening results will be returned during the health fair where participants can discuss them with an RGH provider or take them to their own primary care provider.
The health fair will start off Saturday morning with a 5k run/walk for adults and 1k for kids to raise awareness of breast health. Sign ups for the 5k and 1k are $20 per entry and can be done online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NM/Portales/BuildingRGH until 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
According to the RGH website, all proceeds from the 5k and 1k go toward equipping RGH with a digital mammography suite.
The Portales Police Department and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Department will be on site at the hospital to perform bike helmet fittings and a car seat clinic.
“We hope the health fair gives those who attend peace of mind from having a little check-up,” Leaming said.
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