The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

September 12, 2008

Health fair to offer advice Oct. 4 in Mount Hope

By Matthew Hill

In an effort to raise awareness on what organizers describe as the health disparities that exist for African-Americans in the Mountain State, the New River Health Association is planning a health fair for Oct. 4 at the Mount Hope Community Center.

The fair, which will last from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the second in a potential series of three such fairs. The first took place Aug. 9 in Fayetteville, and another will likely be held in Raleigh County before the end of the year.

“It’s part of an outreach effort to raise awareness of health concerns that affect African-Americans more heavily,” explained Jennifer Boyd, NRHA’s medical director.

“There are health disparities. Some examples are greater incidents of diabetes and complications from that, hypertension, prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women. We’re currently focusing our fairs and educational efforts on adults, chronic diseases and cancer prevention.”

Boyd recalled the fairs came about when NRHA staff and board members became concerned about health disparities in the black community and the lack of awareness among the general population about that imbalance.

Fayetteville’s health fair, the first of its kind for NRHA, had a lower than expected turnout but was positively received, Boyd said. “I was really pleased with the people who attended in Fayetteville. They spent a lot of time looking at the materials and getting testing done. It’s a good way to reach people in the community.”

The health fair in Mount Hope will feature on-site testing for cholesterol and screening for prostate cancer. Those cost $10 apiece. However, free testing will be offered for blood pressure, blood sugar and body-mass index. Breast examinations and Pap smears will also be available. Mammogram referrals will be made on site, as well.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a doctor or insurance, Boyd emphasized, adding the medical staff at the fair will either bill a person’s insurance or a state program will cover those without insurance.

Snacks, healthy recipes, educational materials and small gifts are also part of the event.

“For Mount Hope, we hope to have healthy snacks with tips on healthy recipes for traditionally African-American foods or meals,” Boyd noted. “We’re pretty excited about it. Getting the word out will be important.”

For more information about the fair, call 304-465-2370.

— E-mail: mhill@register-herald.com

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