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Residents of Fort Deposit and surrounding Lowndes County communities were invited to participate in a Health Fair held on Dec. 16. The event was sponsored by Fort Deposit Mayor Jacqulyn Boone in partnership with Advancing Health Literacy.

Advancing Health is a project funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health an agency aimed at improving health literacy, to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates and adherence to the public health recommendations” and “addressing prevention and/or management of stress and chronic diseases and to improve self-advocacy (the ability to get health needs met and participate in health decision making)” according to the website, advancehealthliteracy.com.

Boone said that the goal of the event was to educate residents about conditions that may be affecting them and to provide screenings to individuals who may have been in need. 

“We had diabetes glucose screenings, high blood pressure screenings, and information on breast cancer and how to do home breast-self exams, and more,” Boone said. “It provided valuable health information and with us not having any healthcare facility here, that helped just by getting that information explained to them.”

Medical personnel from UAB Medicine were on site to provide screenings and counseling for those individuals, and those in attendance also had the opportunity to receive vaccinations such as the flu shot. All services were provided to those in attendance at no cost.

While events such as the Health Fair do not replace regular checkups, Boone acknowledged that her partnership with Advancing Health Literacy and hosting events such as these has the power to encourage individuals to be more proactive about their health.

“We provide a platform for community members to interact with healthcare professionals and ask questions and build relationships,” Boone stated. “We believe that it’s important for early detection, and early detection saves lives.”

With over 900 in attendance during the event and over 200 participants for glucose and blood pressure screenings, Boone cited the event as a success and thanked all those who helped to make the day possible.