Wellness Weekend: Free Health Fair Promotes Healthy Living.

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – What is the best way to start the New Year? Many suggest revitalizing health as the solution. For any Cherryville residents who share that sentiment, this Saturday is an opportunity to get started. 

HealthNet Gaston, a community outreach group, and Saint John’s Lutheran Church have partnered together to put on a health and resource fair for the residents of Cherryville. It will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Cherryville. 

The goal of the health fair is to bring awareness to common illnesses. Many of these illnesses, like prediabetes and high blood pressure, are preventable. The health fair will offer screenings for prediabetes and hypertension.

Robert Kellogg, a City Council Member for Gastonia, N.C., is a member of HealthNet Gaston. He has been instrumental in the organization of the health fair. 

“A lot of [the event] is going to be education awareness. But also just doing that in a very fun environment with a lot of cool things happening and just for the whole community to come and enjoy.” said Kellogg. 

The event is suitable for all ages and there will be activities for children to enjoy. A free lunch will also be offered, particularly, hot dogs with toppings. 

“This presents an opportunity for individuals to come to a place that’s a little less threatening. Talk to professionals, get resources and materials all in your own time and in a safe place.”said Kellogg. 

Saint John’s Lutheran Church is a vital community resource that frequently provides outreach to Cherryville residents. Kellogg said that Saint John’s has put on similar events in the past, so the partnership was intuitive. 

“The folks here at Saint John’s Lutheran, they have been doing outreach for years. They’ve been reaching out to our homeless population and they reach out to individuals who are in crisis.” said Kellogg. 

Saint John’s consistently helps the community, demonstrating a commitment to Cherryville’s welfare. Through an outreach program, volunteers join forces every first Thursday of the month to provide essential items to community members. Moreover, Saint John’s actively conducts a clothing drive to support those in need.

“We were introduced to NetHealth through our outreach program. We began organizing the health fair with them because there are a lot of people who need help with their health in Cherryville.” said Kim Eaker, the outreach ministry coordinator for Saint John’s.

An important takeaway of this event is that the vendors are local. The health fair stands to introduce residents to local resources that can assist them in everyday life. 

The health and resource fair is free of charge. All community members are encouraged to attend the interactive and educational event. The festivities will be located downstairs in the fellowship hall of Saint John’s.

“There’ll be a lot of vendors here, I think over a dozen community partners just coming here. So come on, stay as long as you like and just have some fun.” said Kellogg with a smile. 

On Saturday, Saint John’s Lutheran Church will be bustling with Cherryville residents who are eager to learn about their health. The health and resource fair aims to provide not only an education, but a celebration of healthy living and community involvement.

Interested in attending? View the flyer down below for more details!

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