By JULIANNE HOMOKAY
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
All but the most privileged among us can have trouble accessing affordable health care. Even with insurance, deductibles can be so intimidating that many avoid seeking the care they need. Several nonprofit organizations have banded together to help correct this state of affairs. On May 6 from 2:30 to 6 p.m., community members are invited to attend the 4th Annual Mountain Health & Resource Fair: Stronger Together at Rim of the World High School. This free, family-friendly event will bring together local healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations and community partners to offer essential services and resources at no cost.
The fair is designed to improve access to care, promote wellness, and connect residents with valuable local services. Attendees will have access to free dental screenings, sports physicals and vision screenings; County information; Medi-Cal counseling; free bike helmets and much more.
State and local elected officials and representatives will also be on-site to meet with
residents, share information about available programs and provide updates on resources supporting the mountain communities.
The Health Fair had a humble beginning. “It originated at VOE [Elementary] to get kids ready for school,” said Jessica Mazakas, a Fourth Grade teacher at VOE Elementary School and one of the primary organizers of the event. Now, the Fair takes place at Rim High, as it outgrew VOE Elementary, and the high school is much more centrally located. “It took a year of planning,” she added, as this year she wanted to include a farmers market, music, pickleball and even free glasses. Also, “I’m trying to work with Mountain Transit to get more seniors there.” Even though the Fair is aimed toward serving all mountain families, seniors are often the ones who are especially challenged to access these basic services.
Mazakas also mentioned this is the first year that so many nonprofits have collaborated on the event, hence the theme “Stronger Together.” In addition to the main sponsor, Humanitarian Aid for Development and Relief Agency (HAFDRA), Mountain Sunrise Rotary, Mountains Community Hospital, Rim of the World Recreation & Park District and Rim of the World Unified School District have contributed resources and effort toward making this event happen.
Community organizations and businesses are encouraged to get involved by hosting a
booth, becoming a sponsor, or providing educational materials, screenings or services.
The event offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with local families, share programs and services, promote health and wellness, and increase visibility and community awareness. Interested parties or organizations must fill out a Facilities Use form, provide a Certificate Of Insurance (COI) and ensure their booth will remain up for the entire length of the Fair. Email HAFDRA at admin@hafdra.org or call (909)-337-9578.
Ultimately, “we would like you to have an impact!” said Mazakas. “Pay it forward.”
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