The problem

This program aims to help improve the community’s health for both adults and youth and to ensure school-age children have needed health checkups and school supplies before the first day of school.

The participants/target audience

Throughout the 2-hour event, adults and children visited over 54 booths to get various health checks. They received information on health topics, including healthy eating, cancer prevention, bicycle safety, mental health, health insurance, and physical fitness. Children also received school supplies, which included pencils, crayons, folders, paper, notebooks, backpacks, markers, and other items needed for school. This helped reduce the amount of money families have to spend on these supplies, especially in this time of rising prices.

Other partners (if applicable)

The 2023 Healthfair/Readifest was a collaborative program planned by the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service and the Family Resource/Youth Service Center. Several other groups helped sponsor the event with monetary and time donations. Churches and other local businesses also donated school supplies. The program has been a walk-through outdoor event for the past two years.

The educational response/ Program impact or participant response.

The results for the 2023 Healthfair/Readifest were once again outstanding. Over 900 people participated, including over 400 children, and in-kind contributions for volunteer hours and supplies were $44,504.55. A grandparent raising her grandson said, "This program helps me get needed school supplies and health screenings."