The public is invited to attend the sixth annual Community Health Fair March 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sidney Assembly of God Church events center – an event that has been highly anticipated.

This year’s theme is “Plant the Seeds of Wellness,” a green focus intended to promote not only environmental health but also “planting the seeds” for a healthy life. “This is a great community event in which we can partner with area health care services and give a wide spectrum of what Sidney Health Center and other health related organizations have to offer,” Rita Steinbeisser, Sidney Health Center marketing and communications director, said. The health fair is a coordinated effort between Sidney Health Center and the Richland County Health Department.

There are lots of opportunities in store for patrons to gather health information in one central location. New this year will be car seat checks put on by the health center and health department, free hearing screenings by audiologist Ashley Anderson, an organ donor booth by Northwest Tissue Services from Missoula, a “Medication Take Back” booth by the Sidney Health Center Pharmacy and a free Brown Bag Lunch and Learn session with a focus on nutrition. The Sidney Health Center is also bringing back the allergy testing booth. Back by popular demand, the quick blood test will be offered at a reduced fee ranging from $49-$105 depending on the test taken. Organizers have asked participating organizations and companies manning booths to come up with trivia questions for attendees to answer. “It’s a way to have the booths be more interactive,” Steinbeisser said. Participants will be given a card they must get stamped. They’ll approach a booth, answer a question and get their card stamped. They must go to eight booths and get their card stamped in order to be eligible for a door prize. The health department is giving away two gift certificates to grocery stores. In addition, a HealthWorks pass, greenhouse gift certificate and swimming pool pass will be given away by Sidney Health Center.

The health department also has many opportunities for health education planned. The department’s main booth is geared toward reminding the public to use their Web site, www.richland.org/health, so people can have information at their fingertips. Officials say they want to focus on letting the public know what the health department does.

“So many people don’t really understand what public health does,” Judy LaPan, administrator, said, “and they don’t understand all of the programs we have available.”

Among the programs represented at the fair are: H1N1 Immunizations and Preparedness, Richland County Tobacco Prevention focusing on second-hand smoke, Richland County Family Planning, and the Montana Breast and Cervical Health/Comprehensive Capacity.

“This gives us an opportunity to showcase all the projects,” LaPan said. The health department will also pass out surveys to compliment its Access Assessment and Health Care Capacity, which seeks to examine the county in terms of health care and access to provide that health care.

In past years, the health fair has drawn 300 people, so organizers say they are hoping more will come. The event is a great opportunity to get informed on many different health issues.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to see a wide range of services that are available,” Steinbeisser said. “I think it’s just a wealth of information that you can gain by attending.”

reporter@sidneyherald.com