On March 11th, the Grasonville Community Center was bustling with activity as the newly refurbished Meeting Hall played host to a health fair. The event was coordinated by Nina Wright and featured an array of delicious and healthy foods, snacks, and drinks.
As attendees nibbled on the tasty treats, Charlene Dupree led a high-energy Zumba class that got everyone up and moving. Throughout the day, there were also several short talks on various community health concerns, and Prevention Services provided free samples and giveaways.
The event also had a strong focus on addressing addiction-related concerns. Peer support counselors were available for private consultations, and Narcan instruction was provided along with single doses supplied at no cost. Health department staff were on hand to answer questions and provide information on a range of health-related topics, including the Colorectal Community Program and smoking cessation.
The Queen Anne’s County Drug-Free Coalition was also present, providing updates on the opioid crisis in QA and around the country. Despite the serious nature of these issues, the event remained upbeat and positive, with plenty of opportunities to learn and connect with others in the community.
According to Dorine Fassett, supervisor of Prevention Services, over 100 people attended the event over the course of four hours. Fassett expressed her gratitude to the vendors and volunteers at the Grasonville Community Center for their assistance.
Looking ahead, Fassett reminded everyone that two more health fairs are planned for the coming months. She encouraged community members to keep an eye out for announcements and plan to attend, promising more great food and plenty to see and learn. Events like this one are an important reminder of the power of community to come together and support one another in pursuit of better health and wellness.