From our March 1, 2001, edition.

Plans made for annual Health, Wealth Fair

Sue Church, County FCS Agent

Area residents are once again promised a full slate of free health screenings as well as financial advice at the “Be A Champion of Your Health and Wealth Fair” on Wednesday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bairfield Activity Center. 

The health and wealth task force continues its commitment to providing easy access to information and services in a day at one location. Last year’s event saved the public in excess of $32,000 on free health screens and financial services. Each year the services are expanded, and this year is no exception.

Administering screenings such as glucose, cholesterol, prostate, hemoglobin and blood pressure will be a collaborative effort by the Donley County Hospital District, Associated Ambulance Authority, Clarendon Family Medical Clinic, the Donley County Medical Center-Nursing Home and the Northwest Texas Healthcare System. Individuals are encouraged to fast for 12 hours prior to the screens to ensure more accurate results. 

The Clarendon Family Medical Clinic will again be sponsoring the bone density screening which proved extremely popular for the attendees last year. The Lion’s Eye Bank will provide glaucoma screening.

The only services which require fees will be immunizations provided by the Coalition of Healthcare Services and breast mammograms by the Harrington Cancer Center. Appointments are required for the mammograms and can be made by calling 356-1905 in Amarillo. Immunizations will be offered at $5.00 per child (based on ability to pay). The choice of shots will include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, DtaP, Hib, IPV (polio), MMR, Varicella (chickenpox), and Td. Parents must bring a copy of the child’s immunization record. The only vaccine available to adults will be the tetanus.

Coffee Memorial Blood Bank will conduct a blood drive during the fair hours.

Providing financial information and services this year will be the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and Herring National Bank. Individuals wishing to have their income tax returns prepared at the fair may do so by bringing a copy of their 1999 tax return, W-2’s and 1099’s, and social security numbers for individuals to be claimed on the tax return.

Educational exhibits will be provided by the Amarillo Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, American Red Cross, RSVP, Crown of Texas Hospice, Donley County Extension Service, Friends of the Library Literacy Council, Outreach Health Services-WIC, PRPC 9-1-1 Network, Quality of Life Project, Texas Department of Human Services, Texas Panhandle Poison Center, and Texas Gold.

Patrick Robertson of KEFH 99.3 FM will provide a live remote broadcast at the health and wealth fair. As the day progresses door prizes donated by exhibitors will be awarded.

Plan to have lunch at the health and wealth fair as Cheryl and Bob Wiggins of Catering by Cheryl will be returning as concessionaires.

For more information, contact the Extension Service at 874-2141.