SSM Health Monroe Hospital partnered with 25 community organizations to support more than 380 community members at the Green County Latina Health Fair held on June 5 at Twining Park in Monroe. Participants could take advantage of free health screenings to measure their body mass index (BMI), check their vision and screen for glaucoma while enjoying food, music, and family fun.
 
Seventy-six people received BMI and glaucoma screenings, and three hospital providers were on site to provide consultations. Twelve of the 62 people who received vision screens by Monroe’s Lions Club were referred for additional care. Eighteen adults and five children also took advantage of free health vaccinations.
 
The health fair also provided participants with free vouchers for the food vendors on hand and Second Harvest Food Pantry distributed boxes of food. The event included a children’s soccer tournament and music by DJ Hugo Espinoza and Los Tejedas.
 
Twenty-plus SSM Health employees volunteered to help plan and set up the event and to assist with the screenings, provide interpretative services and musical entertainment.
 
“The appreciation from our guests was overwhelming," said Tammie Jamiska, SSM Health Monroe Hospital Community Health Specialist.  “It was an excellent way for Green County organizations to offer screenings, resources, and assistance for all that attended the health fair. This was a much-needed outreach effort and the service everyone provided was outstanding.”
 
Thanks to its success, the community health groups may make the fair an annual event and are reviewing survey results from the participants to identify next steps to meet their ongoing health needs.