Crowd embraces expanded services at fair
CALEXICO — Back by popular demand, the second annual Fall Health Fair returned to enthusiastic crowds eager for free screenings and brochures to keep up on the latest advances in medical care.
A broader array of services prompted more residents to attend the fair sponsored by Ventanilla de Salud based at the Mexican Consulate here in partnership with Farmacia Del Pueblo at their 801 E. Birch St. Commercial Plaza, noted Alma Cota, Ventanilla coordinator. Screenings included blood sugar glucose check, blood pressure, flu shots and eye examinations. Ten agencies also provided health information brochures that included El Centro Regional Medical Center, Behavioral Health, Pioneers Medical Healthcare District, Cancer Resource Center of the Desert, Imperial Valley Food Bank and others.
“We want the community to stay healthy and prepare for the winter,” said Cota. “We hope with these services can prevent people from going to the emergency room during a medical crisis.”
Last year there were only flu shots and preventative services represented, noted Adriana Buelna Lugo of Ventanilla. But this year attendance was boosted by the Lions Club of Imperial County offering eye exams and Instituto Nacional De Las Personas Adultas Mayores, which offered a discount card to seniors for halfoff purchases. “We’re happy to add resources some of which are free,” said Buelna Lugo
One elderly resident, Rita Carrillo, was pleased to avail herself of blood sugar glucose screening to make certain her levels were stable. “I have already checked on my blood pressure,” said Carillo. “I think the services here are very good.”
Farmacia clerk/supervisors Alma Trejo and Janet Segura were helping distribute free vitamins. Maria Campos Farmacia clerk, noted they had a rush of 300 to 400 prescription customers on Tuesday. “It was really busy today,” said Campos. “Our prices are generally competitive with other pharmacies.”
At the Lions Club table Arcenio Islas of the Calexico chapter was checking up on the vision of Carmen Morales with an eye chart. After trying several pairs of reading glasses she found a pair with the appropriate magnification. “I can see very clear now,” said Morales. “My insurance would have covered the lenses but not the frames and would have cost $125.”
Assisting those with food insecurity was Jesse Aguirre and co-workers of the Imperial Valley Food Bank who completed four applications for CalFresh benefits and traced the status of another application that had been filed in October. Clients now receive an EBT card, similar to a debit card. Aguirre reminded visitors of the IVFB’s three major services. USDA distributes commodities once a month to any qualified recipients who can furnish proof of residency. The Nutrition Education Program goes to preschools and health fairs to promote balanced diets. Finally, the Box of Basics provides $40 value for $25 thanks to bulk purchases. The IVFB reminds people help is still needed to support the Backpack Program that provides backpacks full of food items to underserved students throughout the school year.
“Hunger is the unseen need nobody can spot at a glance,” said Aguirre. “We hope these flyers are not just for those who visited our tables but is shared among friends and family.”