VALDOSTA —
While the nation waits for the Supreme Court decision on healthcare reform, on Saturday the Lowndes County community made sure that the poor and sick had somewhere to go for medical attention at the 11th Annual Public Health Awareness Day.
For five hours at Southeast Elementary School representatives from non-profit organizations and the South Health District had something for everyone.
“For a lot of people, this is their primary physician,” said Traci Gosier, health promotion coordinator. “Many people believe they don’t have access to medical treatment but this is an opportunity to let everyone know what is available.”
The event offered free blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and diabetes checks for adults, while there were plenty of activities for their children, including bounce houses, finger-painting, face painting and plenty of other treats.
“It’s an opportunity for people to speak with us one-on-one and gain pertinent information about health issues; the event is an opportunity for the public to interact with public health workers in a relaxed setting and obtain valuable health information they may not otherwise have access to.”
There was plenty of information available, from HIV/AIDS to tuberculosis, along with dental hygiene tips and pregnancy advice.
In addition to health-related offerings, representatives from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College had information about educational opportunities and their dental hygiene program which offers reduced-cost cleanings.
Joseph Rivas with the Telamon Corporation, which is located at the local Department of Labor tries to find eligible citizens opportunities outside of seasonal farm work.
He said many are underemployed and have difficulty finding steady work throughout the year, despite having families to provide for. Sometimes the farm workers aren’t interested and some aren’t eligible, but he said there were plenty of success stories or people who found job training and employment.
Hundreds of people showed up Saturday and organizers said there should be another event next year. For more information visit www.southhealthdistrict.com or www.facebook.com/southhealthdistrict.
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