As an organizer of the March 12 Spring Community Health & Wellness Fair, Shayna Carter said her efforts are “highly personal.”
The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road.
When a close family member dealt with breast cancer, Carter said: “We didn’t understand the process, the costs or what resources were out there. So, yes, being involved in this is kind of close to my heart.”
Through the free event, co-hosted by LifeTouch Health and Allheart Senior Care of Arkansas, Carter hopes to provide seniors, veterans and folks of all ages with insight into the various types of support and assistance available.
There will be a free hot dog lunch, more than four dozen prizes worth at least $25 and goodie bags for the first 50 guests.
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“We want everyone from the community to benefit from this event. Everyone from around the area is invited,” Carter said.
Carter is a White Hall resident and has been a personal care agent for Allheart for the past five years.
She has been involved in the health care provider industry for about 21 years.
“We want to help. Healthcare services can be difficult to navigate even for a professional,” Carter said.
The event will focus on “healthy living, disease prevention, and wellness at every stage of life,” Carter said.
The deadline for vendors to sign up is March 9.
Professional health care providers and community partners will offer screenings, education and support to individuals, caregivers and families, including guidance on healthy aging of the body and brain.
There will also be senior resources. Free screenings include dementia awareness and education, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, cancer screening and information on behavioral health, fall prevention and home health services.
“UAMS will have a VR kit that simulates dementia” so that participants can experience what others are dealing with, Carter said.
So far, more than 42 vendors have committed to the event, and each will be awarding a gift worth $25. “We still have room for more vendors. We provide chairs, tables and space at no cost to them,” Carter said. Details: Shayna Carter at (870) 883-1886.