Annual health fair set for Wednesday

Special for the Green Valley News

A health-conscious group of residents working on the Green Valley Health Fair Task Force will showcase 49 vendors and non-profit agencies at the 16th annual fair Wednesday.

“This is the only fair where all community health services come together; that was the original intent,” said Task Force point person Ellen Read.

From its inception, Green Valley Recreation has provided space and staff support. This is the 10th year Access Wisdom has coordinated the Green Valley Health Services Directory, which will be available at the fair.

Included in the 35 exhibiting vendors are Arizona Gastroenterology, Desert Eye Associates Inc., Tucson Heart Hospital, La Posada, United Community Health Care, Radiology Ltd. and Hospice Family Care.

Among the 19 exhibiting non-profit providers are the Arizona Loss of Hearing Association (ALOHA), the Arthritis Foundation, Casa de Esperanza, Green Valley Assistance Services, the Green Valley Community Food Bank, Friends in Deed, the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Parkinsons Disease Association Support Group.

A number of health care providers will be offering blood pressure, body mass index and glaucoma checks plus free total cholesterol plus HDL checks to the first 100 attendees.

There will also be a blood drive. Appointments are preferred and can be made by calling 1-800-GIVELIFE.

Planning the annual health fair began in 1993 as a collaboration of community service agencies, health care providers and businesses for the benefit of Green Valley residents; the first fair was held in 1994.

Responsible for starting the annual health fair was resident Joan Ardern, former resident Dotty Mains, La Posada CEO Lisa Israel and Friends in Deed.

In recent years, 2,500 to 3,000 residents have attended. With another large turnout expected Read said, “It’s most important to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Food Bank; the need is greater than ever.”

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.

If you go

What: 16th Annual Health Fair

When: Feb. 4, 8 a.m. to noon

Where: GVR West Center, 1111 S. Via Arcoiris, Green Valley