AtoZ Blogging Challenge – Health Fair

Program Name: Community Health Fair

What: This is a program we have tried yet, but one that I think would be hugely popular with the community. I’d love to have professionals in the field that can talk about chronic illness, healthy eating, mental illness and maybe some basic screenings for blood pressure, body mass index, a peadiatric dentist, etc.

Where: I would have a program like this in a larger space, we have a room that is used for public meetings that can hold 150 people, which would be perfect for this type of program where you could set up tables around the perimeter as well as a few tables in the middle of the room.

When: This program could be held anytime of year, but would need to be a day and time that works for much of the community, possibly a weekend afternoon where seniors would still feel comfortable driving and families wouldn’t be too busy with sports or traveling.

Who: This is a community health fair which means you could focus it on a specific group in the community or make it a broad range for people of all ages. You could also create one specifically for families with young children which I think would be very popular. Health literacy is a vital skill and the library is in a unique position to create a space where people can ask questions and get feedback.

How: Partner with local healthcare networks, hospitals, doctors, dentists, nurses, home health care providers, and senior citizen homes. By partnering with experts in the healthcare field, librarians don’t have to feel uncomfortable when patrons ask health questions to them.

Alternatives:

• Health fair for young families
• Health fair for seniors
• Workshop series on mental illness
• Workshops series on eating healthy and fitness ideas
• Family and Friends CPR training

During the month of April, I’ll be participating in the 2018 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. For this year’s theme, I’ll be offering you a library program plan with everything you to need to re-create it at your own library. Most of these programs we’ve offered in the past, others are programs I’d like to try in the future. I’m always looking for new inspiration and I thought you might be too!