Church’s free health fair offers info, lifesaving screenings
JARED FIELDS • PICAYUNE STAFF
BUCHANAN DAM — When organizers last year promoted on KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune the first free health fair at Highland Lakes United Methodist Church, one woman was definitely listening.
She heard special events coordinator Bonnie Wallace mention one of the screenings that would be taking place. The woman had a spot on her face about which she was worried, so she went to the health fair and screening.
The spot turned out to be melanoma.
“It’s very possible we saved her life,” Wallace said.
Wallace and the church are hosting the second annual free health fair at the church, 8303 RR 1431 West, May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. The fair will be in the church’s new fellowship hall.
The health fair is free and open to the community.
“I met a couple of people who said they had seen the sign (advertising last year’s event) but thought it was only for church members,” Wallace said. “We want people to know it’s open to the public so they can leave with information, knowledge and goodies — and it’s completely free.”
Last year’s fair had 22 exhibitors and 226 guests. This year’s fair has 33 exhibitors.
“What we’re trying to do is expand on last year’s by basically putting community members in touch with resources to solve their health needs,” Wallace said.
Some of the free screenings include glucose, blood pressure, skin cancer and glaucoma. Hearing test vouchers also will be offered.
“The purpose of a health fair is to coordinate local resources,” Wallace said. “The church provides spiritual health for people, but we want to go above and beyond.”
The Blood & Tissue Center of Central Texas will be holding a blood drive during the event.
Call Wallace at (956) 330-8106 for more information.
jared@thepicayune.com
EXHIBITORS:
Baylor-Scott & White Health
Dr. Brian Ransdell
Air Evac
Dr. David Swett, Austin Heart
Bright Smiles Family Dentistry
Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy
Kingsland Massage Depot
Gram Grams Homemade Jams
Protea Salon & Spa
Seton Highland Lakes Hospice
Juice Plus (Maribeth Melcher)
Balcones Chiropractic & Wellness
Ja’Dera Plus
Nerium
YMCA of the Highland Lakes at Galloway-Hammond
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
The HOP
Seton Hospital
Atkins Pharmacy
Burnet Eye Care
Cain Orthodontics
Windchime Assisted Living
Young Living Essential Oils
Thrive Food Consultants
Connect Hearing
Kingsland Hills Care Center
Highland Lakes Tai Chi
May I Help You?
Llano County Sheriff’s Office
Tracie’s Beauty & Health
Ohana Birth Professionals
HLUMC Card Ladies
Friends of the Kingsland Library