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Fifth annual NAACP Health Fair to focus on preventative care

By Chyna Broadnax | Statesville R&L

Published: September 30, 2009

This year's NAACP Health Fair will provide more preventative screenings than it has in years past.

The fifth annual health fair is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Saturday at Kimbrough Park.

The fair will feature screenings and testing for blood pressure, diabetes, prostate, body mass index, vision, stroke, cholesterol and depression. There will also be sign-ups for free mammograms, according to the chairperson for the NAACP Health Committee Candy Whiteside.

Whiteside, a nurse practitioner, said the health fair's focus is getting people to think about taking preventative measures.

"Having the health fair will help catch illnesses before they turn chronic," she said.

There will be an educational session at 2 p.m. regarding H1N1 influenza. Informational packets will be handed out, and there will be a presentation from Iredell County Health Department representatives.
Health fair organizers said mounting losses of jobs and insurance made offering more screenings essential.

"Because of the loss of insurance coverage and jobs, these are things people need throughout the community," Whiteside said.

Vendors for alternative medicine and community organizations will also be on hand Saturday.
Health Committee member Woody Woodard said there will be several doctors and health care professional on site to answer questions anyone may have.

"We want people to come out and take advantage of these free screenings," he said.

Last year's fair brought out some 300 people, and Woodard said organizers are planning to exceed that.

The Statesville Police Department will present its drunk driving simulation course and the fire department will present its smoke house to teach fire safety.

The Cove Church and the Iredell County Health Department have partnered with the NAACP Statesville branch to put on this year's fair.

Sponsors include Kidney Care, Davis Hospital, Independent Nephrology, Gordon Iron and Metal and James Foxworthy.