Ellsworth County Medical Center - Annual Ellsworth County Health Fair

What is it?

The Annual Ellsworth County Health Fair has been in existence for more than 20 years and keeps getting bigger and better. The fair is hosted by the Ellsworth County Medical Center and housed at a large community building in downtown Ellsworth. The fair informs the general public of health-related services and invites their participation in many of the exhibits. Since the laboratory aspect of the health fair has had such a tremendous response, the lab has expanded to providing monthly Laboratory Health Fairs. This additional program enables individuals to receive basic laboratory screens conveniently and inexpensively.

With the increase of the Laboratory Health Fairs, more time has been made available during the Annual Health Fair for exhibitors and vendors. To involve youth, a Health Science Fair is being sponsored with the support of local schools. Students are challenged to create a health-related science fair project and enter it into a competition. The top three displays in each of two age groups will be presented at the Annual Ellsworth Health Fair with scholarships and prizes awarded at that time. This win-win opportunity for students helps them consider future careers in health care as well as earn scholarships.

The Hospital Auxiliary joins in by providing refreshments and a nourishing breakfast or lunch for participants. Hospital Departments from the Ellsworth County Medical Center present informative displays, answer questions and provide demonstrations, all in an effort to increase community's health awareness.

Who is it for?

Participants range from age 0-100 years.

Why do they do it?

The program was initiated to increase the community's awareness of health concerns, providers and programs in the area.

Impact

From the first year to the present, the Annual Ellsworth Health Fair has grown by leaps and bounds! Everything from laboratory screening, cardiac stress tests, mammograms, dental care, and massage therapy to car seat safety checks, bicycle rodeos, and dozens of other exhibits, vendors and displays are provided for our community. The program has been very successful and much appreciated by the community. With the increase in Laboratory Health Fairs provided, our clientele are even more grateful to the medical center for providing answers to their healthcare needs. The community has learned that if you have a health-care related question, ECMC is the place to go for the answers. We are known for fulfilling our mission of Improving Lives Through Healing, and one way we honor that commitment is through the Annual Ellsworth County Health Fair.

Contact: Doug Stefek
Community Outreach Coordinator
Telephone: 785-472-5028, ext. 307
E-mail: dstefek@edmed.com