By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
Folks were already in line at 8:30 a.m. for the start of the Adams County Health Fair co-sponsored by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital at 11 a.m. at the Adams County Christian School on Saturday, August 13. Dr. William Hablitzel stated, “This is something we’ve never done before.” He wasn’t surprised by the large turnout and was pleased with the co-sponsorship from Children’s Hospital. He relayed that Kroger had heard the information on the radio and had contacted the Health Department asking to be a part of the day.
Various health and safety-related agencies staffed booths handing out fun giveaways and loads of helpful and healthful information. Classrooms offered space for child immunizations and health screenings. Dolly Parton showed up in cardboard fashion as the folks from Imagination Library shared information on promoting children’s reading skills. It was a great day of door prizes, interactive booths, and good food. Kim Stauffer, Director of Nursing at Adams County Health Department, reported that there were 1,000 participants, 1,120 vouchers for food vendors given away totaling $6,720.00, and 860 Walmart gift cards totaling $12,900.00. Stauffer stated, “The total of $19,620.00 was just for those two items, and it doesn’t count all the other free things they gave away.” Many booth vendors were given mini-grants to purchase their giveaway items. The Health Department received a significant grant and could buy their table cloth, banner, and popcorn machine. Stauffer said, “It was a huge success!”
This event was the first Health Fair of a five-year commitment with Cincinnati Children’s. The collaboration worked well, and many kudos to the Adams County Health Department, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Adams County Public Health, ACRMC Family Medicine, Adams County Regional Medical Center, Adams County Ohio Valley Schools, and Manchester Schools, who worked the day. Here’s to a healthy 2022/23 school year!
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