(SWEETWATER, Texas) – The health of community residents is important to many people.
For 38 years, Texas State Technical College has partnered with Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital and the Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department to showcase the agencies that strive to provide quality health care in the region.
On Tuesday, October 11, more than 40 agencies will provide information and offer health screenings for the public during the Nolan County Health Fair at the TSTC Student Center gymnasium. The health fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
T.J. Wilson, the hospital’s marketing director, said the health fair is an important way to help people learn about the medical services that are available in the area.
“Sweetwater is an exciting place to be right now, and the health of our community is paramount for our future,” he said. “The Nolan County Health Fair is a fantastic way to either start or continue on that path. TSTC, the Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department and RPMH have gone to great efforts to make this health fair the best it can be for our growing community.”
Joni Coons, TSTC’s leadership coach for residence life and engagement, has helped coordinate the event for years. She is excited to see the 38-year tradition return to an in-person event after a two-year absence due to COVID-19 protocols.
“We have good community partnerships with our hospital and health department to plan this wonderful event for our residents,” she said. “I am looking forward to seeing everyone come out to get the latest information from our vendors.”
Jamie Mena, a registered nurse and the director of the health department, is looking forward to showcasing the services available to Nolan County residents.
“We are excited to work with all of the area organizations and the resources they offer to the community,” she said. “We are eager to see a large number of the community participate and enjoy the booths of each vendor.”
Several health screenings will be provided, including blood pressure, body mass index, height, pulse, temperature and weight. The Sweetwater Fire Department and Ambulance Service will provide electrocardiogram screenings.
Flu vaccines will also be available free of charge for Medicare recipients who present the proper ID. The flu vaccine is available for all others for $25 in cash, Mena said.
Hospital representatives will provide COVID-19 booster vaccines for the public at no charge. Those planning to receive the booster must bring their government-issued vaccination card for verification.
TSTC’s Vocational Nursing students will assist attendees during the fair. Coons said nursing students will be able to answer questions and show attendees around the different booth spaces.
Other agencies scheduled to participate in the health fair include 2-1-1 A Call for Help, 2INgage, Abilene Recovery Council, AirEvac, Amerigroup, Area Agency on Aging, Bryant Better Hearing, CenterWell Home Health, Child Protective Services, City and Rural Rides, Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, Faith Fitness Center, Familia Dental, FirstCare Health Plans, Gateway Family Services, Health and Human Services Commission, Highland Heights United Methodist Church, Hendrick Medical Center, Joseph Thomas Foundation, KXOX Radio, Little Lives Early Childhood Intervention, Maximus, Nolan County Sheriff’s Office, Nolan County Veterans Services, Northern Oaks Living & Rehabilitation, Regional Victims Crisis Center, South Plains Community Action Association, Sterling Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Superior HealthPlan, Sweetwater Healthcare Center, Sweetwater House of Peace, Sweetwater ISD, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Oncology, Texas Department of Transportation, West Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center, West Texas Area Health Education Center, and West Texas Children’s Advocacy Center.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
