Free Community Health Fairs Happening this Month in Augusta
Check out these community health fairs happening this month in Augusta.
This weekend, October 7, there will be a free community health fair going on to raise awareness of cancer. The health fair promotes screenings that could help with early detection of Heart diseases, diabetes, Prostate Cancer, Lung Disease, Breast Cancer, and more.
The event will be held at the Bethel Community Church Family Life center from 9am to 4pm.
There will be over 40 nurses, doctors, and other health professionals from local hospitals to conduct all screenings. They will focus on preventive screenings such as hearing, vision, and blood tests. They are reassured of the importance of making routine appointments and helping patients know where to find their patient education.
Community members will also be let know how to perform a self-breast exam. The health professionals will go over health insurance and other health-related topics.
There will also be live entertainment going on with 12 musical artists performing every 30 minutes throughout the day. Along with the music, there will be things for the kids to enjoy, such as face painting and a bounce house.
30 merchandise vendors will be on location with several food trucks. Another community health fair that will be going on this month is the Clark Hills Community Wellness Fair.
Clarks Hill Community Wellness Fair
Focus.Dream.Inspire Inc., a non-profit organization, will be hosting the Community Health Fair. This event is open to the public. It will be held at the Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church on October 14, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
At this wellness fair, there will be free health screenings, vendors, and more.
Why is this important?
According to health.gov, these screenings are a productive way for medical doctors to check for diseases and health conditions before signs or symptoms come about. Finding a problem early on makes it easier to treat.
World Mental Health Day
While May is Mental Health Awareness Month, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. It’s another day to remember the importance of taking care of our mental health. The World Health Organization’s theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”
Mental Health – Not A New Issue
And although mental health is not a new issue, it definitely has seen a rise in awareness. We saw a huge rise during the pandemic. Perhaps with so many people stuck in quarantine, or simply a major change in routine, many became more aware of issues they were battling. And while you may not be affected personally, chances are there is someone in your life that’s struggling.
The world we live in is fast-paced, and the pressure is on every day. With such high stress in our work and even our personal lives, it’s no surprise that anxiety and depression have seen an increase.
In fact, we’ve even seen many celebrities address their mental health struggles through social media and interviews. And some have even canceled or postponed appearances or shows.
Fight The Stigma
While there is still some stigma around mental health, we have seen changes. There’s a wealth of information and resources available at our fingertips. Back in May, we shared some of those resources available here in Augusta.
Mental health is just as important as our physical health. And mental illness does not discriminate. While often it can feel hard to talk about our struggles, it’s important to remember you are not alone. And there are so many people who want to help.
Even if you don’t struggle, remember those who do. It’s up to us to fight the stigma, educate ourselves, provide our support, and advocate for those who may not have the strength themselves.
And take care of yourself. Maybe you’re in a great place, but it can always change. We spread ourselves too thin, we overcommit, and tend to feel our worth is dependent on how much we get done.
Here are some ways to take care of your mental health… a few self-care tips!
Darasha Singleton is a native of Augusta, Georgia who serves as the Digital Content Coordinator at Beasley Media Group. If you think there is nothing to do in Augusta, check her posts! You're sure to find something to do. Aside from work, Darasha enjoys going to the Saturday Market on the River and any local festivals.
