Health Fair is a Big Hit

Prevention was the talk of the town in Wewahitchka with last Friday’s 2nd annual Back to School Family Health Fair.

All ages gathered together at the Wewahitchka Medical Center for free health screenings, free school supplies and the chance to share a high-five from Elmo.

Although Kerrigan Beverland, 7, may have just had her heart sat on the latter and the possibility of some free candy, her stepmother Gizelle Sullivan, understands how unique this opportunity is and is very appreciative.

"The free health screenings are just so beneficial because a lot of people can not afford health insurance," said Sullivan. "We can bring the kids here and they just think they are here to have a good time, when actually they are getting really important work done."

Out of the four children Sullivan brought to the fair, Kerrigan is the only one without health insurance, which makes the day especially beneficial for her. With over 20 healthcare agencies in attendance, Kerrigan was able to basically get a year worth of screening all in one day and all completely free of charge, anything from checking your blood pressure to asthmatic symptoms.

"Although Kerrigan has never had serious health problems, I think preventive care is the most important thing you can do for a child," said Sullivan. "If there is something that jumps out, we will find a way to take her to the doctor, even if we have to pay cash."

For Sullivan, the fair proves even more beneficial when following Kerrigan's hearing tests; the specialist declared that Kerrigan had not heard many of the tones used to check for hearing which could mean that she may have some hearing problems.

"Otherwise we would have never known," said Sullivan "Now that we know we can get her checked out further."

Sullivan was not the only person attending the fair that received some much needed screenings and advice.

Anne Parker, who brought her 6-year-old son to the fair, found out after a blood sugar screening that his blood sugar levels were high, evidence of the potential for developing child diabetes.

"We don't have insurance, so we usually only check once a year," said Parker. "Now we can start early treatment."

Although the free health screenings seemed to be the biggest hit of the day, the health fair gave participants many other opportunities to learn about health and safety in fun educational ways.

“Click it or Ticket” sponsored by the Florida Highway Patrol was on hand with a life-size simulation car crash to show the benefits of wearing a seatbelt as well as the Gulf County Sheriff's Department Crime Scene Unit demonstrating the tools they use to solve crimes.                

The Child ID program was also an important stop for many attending the fair. The program fingerprints and video tapes children while they provide identifying information about themselves so in the case of abduction, investigators can automatically identify the victim.

"We have done the child ID program every year just in case," said participant Jamie Jones. "There are so many beneficial and education resources here."

The fair was also able to provide hundreds of children with free supplies for school which proved to be a huge help to many residents.

Even with a heat index reaching 110 degrees, according to Tina Pate, Wewahitchka Medical Center Manager, with an estimated 400 people in attendance the health fair was considered a huge success.

"We were up from last year so it was a good success," said Pate. "I am very pleased with the turnout."