Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

GOODLAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Goodland, KS 
Sherman County Health Fair

What is it? 
The Sherman County Health Fair is an annual event (Saturday, February 3, 2007 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am)coordinated by Goodland Regional Medical Center; and held at the Goodland Activities Center.  With the support of the Sherman County Health Agency, the Sunflower District of the K-State Research and Ext. Services and the Goodland Activities Center, this event grows each year to serve residents from Sherman County and the surrounding areas.  We kick off the event two weeks prior by providing blood profile screenings to those who wish to take advantage of these at a reduced rate.  In addition to the basic blood chemistry profile, prostate and thyroid screenings are also available.  Or they may just have the CBC.  The blood profiles are then picked up at the Health Fair or can be mailed directly to the individual with proper paperwork.  Our physicians make a commitment to be available to go over any questions regarding blood profiles at no charge to all Health Fair attendees.  Our objective is to provide patient education, information and screenings to prevent illness and promote wellness. We invite exhibitors in areas that may have information beneficial to a person's health or wellness.  This year we focused on nutritional education and activities for children; provided childcare and special activities for school age children.  "Gator" Rivers, former Harlem Globetrotter, donated his time to us this year by doing a basketball exhibition and talking about the benefit of exercise to all in attendance.  We had 37exhibitors this year with information ranging from healthcare careers, volunteering opportunities, diabetic shoe fitting, dental services, optometry services, counseling services, prevention services, air ambulance, emergency medical services (showcased our new ambulance); children's nutrition and activities, blood pressure screenings, carotid artery screenings, chiropractic information, respiratory therapy and the list goes on.  In all we did 548 blood profiles, 157 hearing screenings, 47 carotid artery screenings (referred 4 to their physician); rehab services referrals, recruited 5 new volunteers.  We had over 500 people attend the Sherman County Health Fair and hope that through this we will continue to save lives each year. 

Who is it for?
The program is intended to reach people of all ages in the Sherman County and surrounding areas of Northwest Kansas.

Why do they do it?
We feel the more we can educate and provide healthcare screenings, the healthier our community will be.  We have had testimonials from various individuals throughout the years that have told us that the Sherman County Health Fair "saved my life", because they caught diseases and cancers early enough to be treated.  If we save only one life, it is worth the many volunteer hours of planning and dedication to the Sherman County Health Fair.  We hope we continue to grow in numbers each year.  The health fair actually started back in the 80s with only a few booths. It has continued to grow each year through the generosity of local healthcare agencies, providers and volunteers. 

Contact: Brenda McCants
AVS, Director of Marketing & Vol. Svcs.
785-890-6036 Fax: 785-890-6046
bmccants@gmedctr.org