Spencer County, being a rural area with limited access to healthcare facilities, can benefit greatly from awareness of available free or low-cost health resources. After participating in a lesson on the Pathways to Wellness program, the Spencer County Family Consumer Sciences Council developed a community resource day to educate the community about how local resources can help improve access to essential healthcare services. The Wellness Day event took place at the Spencer County Extension Office, featuring 28 vendors.

The educational program response from the Spencer County Family Consumer Sciences Council focuses on increasing awareness and utilization of available health resources. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access by providing information on free or low-cost services, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of the community. 

The participants/target audience

Spencer County Community members

Other partners (if applicable)

The event was packed with valuable resources and activities. Vendors set up booths, providing everyone access to their information. Cheryl Whitt and her team from Raising Hope Kentucky offered free blood pressure screenings, glucose checks, and vaccinations. The Kentucky Cancer Program brought an inflatable lung and the mammogram mobile. Marji Palato from Humana provided a healthy sack lunch, while Pam Temple Jennings informed attendees about cancer screenings. Ben Kennedy discussed My Plate nutrition information, and Cheryl Witt, a UK AG nurse, talked about rural mental health and stress through the Voices of Hope program. Dr. Snider, a new general practitioner, also spoke at the event, and Trish Smith led chair exercises.

Program impact or participant response.

The event was a great success with 28 vendors and 51 attendees, including 8 youths. A total of 84 people participated, with 13 receiving mammograms. Everyone had access to the vendors' information booths. Cheryl Whitt and her team from Raising Hope Kentucky provided free blood pressure screenings, glucose checks, and vaccinations. The Kentucky Cancer Program brought an inflatable lung and the mammogram mobile. Marji Palato from Humana provided a healthy sack lunch, while Pam Temple Jennings from the Kentucky Cancer Program informed attendees about cancer screenings. Ben Kennedy from the Nelson County Health Department discussed My Plate nutrition information. Cheryl Witt, a UK AG nurse, talked about Rural Mental Health and stress through the program Voices of Hope. Dr. Snider, a new general practitioner, also spoke at the event. Trish Smith conducted chair exercises, vendor door prizes were given out, and attendees were connected to available resources. The Family Consumer Sciences Council is planning to continue hosting a health fair in the future, potentially at the Farmer's Market. This initiative aims to promote health and wellness within the community, providing valuable resources and information to attendees. It's a great opportunity to engage with local vendors and learn more about healthy living.

The survey results were overwhelmingly positive! Here's a summary of the feedback:

- **General Comments: **

  - People are friendly and helpful.

  - Learned a lot.

  - Great experience.

  - Great resources.

  - Loved the number of vendors.

  - Great resources available in the county.

  - Great fellowship.

  - Suggestion for a more central location next time.

  - Wonderful information from everyone.

  - Appreciation for providing a local facility for mammograms.

  - Excitement about an immediate care center coming to town.

  - Requests for another event in 6 months.

  - Blessings and thanks to everyone involved.

  - Impressive engagement with each vendor.

  - Enjoyed interacting with each provider.

  - The Farmer's market was terrific.

  - Friendly vendors and a nice crowd, with a suggestion for reserved tables.

- **Youth Comments: **

  - Teens had a lot of fun and are eager for the next event.

  - A 7-year-old loved Wellness Day and can't wait to go again.

Overall, it seems like the event was a huge success with valuable information, great interactions, and a positive atmosphere!