Webb Center to hold health and resource fair

Health services of all kinds will be free to anyone who visits Webb Community Center on Saturday.

Ten community organizations will participate in the third annual Fall Extravaganza Community Health and Resource Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the center. The fair will provide services such as depression screenings, flu shots and foot checks to the public.

Sheila Paskell, one of the fair’s organizers, said the idea for the fair was initially conceived by her and four other nurses after putting on a health fair at their church.

“Our pastor had the vision that we should reach out to the community and offer back to the community as well,” Paskell said.

The nurses’ first health fair was held at Hot Springs Middle School two years ago. After a successful initial run, the nurses partnered with organizations such as the Difference Makers of Hot Springs, the Gateway Community Association, National Park Medical Center and Arkansas Hospice and moved the fair to the Webb Community Center.

Paskell said one of the reasons she is holding the clinic is to provide medical services to those who may not receive them regularly.

“There are so many people that may come to a health fair, but they may not even go to their doctor on a yearly basis,” she said. “With all the other resources that we have, like things for the children, usually, that is a draw.”

Paskell said many who attend the fair are often unaware of personal conditions such as diabetes and depression. She said the fair is a good opportunity to check oneself for such things.

“I’m hoping that we gain a better respect for connecting with the community so that they are educated about what’s out there, what’s available,” Paskell said.