By Shirlett Warren
A NW health and physical education instructor wants to double the number of vendors and participants for this year’s NW Evening Health Fair April 26.
The fair hosted 16 vendors and had more than 200 participants last year, said health and physical education adjunct Leslie Green, who is also a registered nurse.
“We currently have 30 confirmed vendors for this year’s fair, and I want over 400 people here,” Green said. “I don’t think small.”
Green approached planning the fair a little differently this year. She enlisted the high school sophomores in her personal and community health class to take on the responsibility of arranging the event.
“This is a hands-on opportunity to connect students to the community,” she said. “They’re getting firsthand knowledge.”
Each student had a deadline to contact and follow up with at least two vendors. They practiced phone call scenarios in class and learned how to write confirmation letters to the vendors who agreed to participate in this year’s fair.
Lake Worth High School sophomore and NW dual credit program student Allyson Little secured the Tarrant Area Food Bank as a vendor.
“They gave me 15 boxes to set up for donations,” Little said. “I took five of them to my school, Lake Worth.”
Volunteers put several boxes on NW Campus, and three of them are already full, Green said. The rest of the boxes will be on hand during the fair.
High school sophomore Pryscila Luna secured a chiropractor and a nutritionist.
“I didn’t realize there were so many organizations out there that are able to help our community,” Luna said.
Green’s students also designed the fliers and will be on hand to meet with vendors, assist with set up the day of the fair and host the hospitality room.
“I don’t ask my students to do anything I can’t do,” Green said.
She wanted to promote a health fair at night for people who work or have classes during the day.
“Last year’s event was an eye-opener,” she said. “So many individuals were able to get valuable services.”
Of the 200-plus attendees last year, 47 donated blood, 52 received bone density screenings, 41 had spinal screenings, 150 received information on poison control and 40-plus took AIDS/HIV tests.
“Some of these screenings cost $100-$200 just to get in,” Green said. “At the fair, they’re free.”
The health fair is 4-8 p.m. April 26 in the WHPE building. The event is free and open to the community. Volunteers will be on hand to accept donations of two canned goods and/or gently used clothing. For more information, call 817-515-7689.
