DACUSVILLE — After years of missions, worship services and children’s programs, Mt. Caramel Baptist Church has decided to expand its reach to body and soul by holding their first ever community health fair.

“We’ve never done anything like this before, but I think there’s a real need for it in the community,” said Lesley Looper, who is heading up the committee organizing the event. “We wanted to let people know we care about the community as a whole, which is why we’ve decided to open it up to everyone.”

The health fair will offer visitors free vision, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings in addition to the educational booths set up by various health related organizations.

“There’s a pediatric dentist coming, MARY’S House will have a table, United Christian Ministries, just to name a few. There’s a lot of groups who are involved,” she said.

As a physician assistant, Looper is all too aware of the dangers in letting small problems go unchecked or untreated.

“There’s always a greater number of people with limited access to health care when you get out in the more rural areas. That’s true for Pickens County as well,” she said. “With something like this (fair) you can educate people on the importance of taking care of themselves — but in an engaging and fun way.”

But perhaps one of the biggest draws — other than the door prizes — will be the famous pink fire engine from the Berea Fire Department.

“The kids will love that,” said Looper about the engine. “We were excited they agreed to come.”

The old 1987 Sutphen reserve pumper was painted bright pink for cancer awareness last year as part of the department’s “On fire for a cure” campaign.

Although this is the first year for the event, Looper is optimistic the health fair will draw a large turnout.

“With as nice as the weather’s been — and I hope it holds — I think we’ll do alright,” she said. “The Blood Mobile will be out here too and that alone can draw a bunch of people.”

The Mt. Caramel Community Health Fair is scheduled for March 18 and will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1623 Hester Store Road in Easley.

The Mt. Caramel Community Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 18 and will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1623 Hester Store Road in Easley.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_community-health-fair.jpgThe Mt. Caramel Community Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 18 and will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1623 Hester Store Road in Easley. Courtesy photo

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.