Hundreds head to Porter County’s Kickoff to Summer Health Fair for free resources, free services, and free smiles

The Porter County Health Department invited guests to Urschel Pavilion for its third annual Kickoff to Summer Health & Wellness Fair on Friday, June 12. The summer party let attendees start this summer in style while learning how to stay safe and healthy under the sun.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s health & wellness fair featured over 40 vendors offering information, resources, and free services to attendees. This included everything from haircuts to health screenings and even backpacks full of back-to-school supplies. The health fair also helped athletes prepare for the upcoming school year with free sports physicals.

“This is such a good event for families to come out and see what resources we have in the county, and what the health department can offer,” said Matthew Paul, administrator for the Porter County Health Department.

This year’s event hosted dozens of vendors. In addition to the free services, guests could also participate in a variety of fun activities like face painting and dancing. The Health Department has found that providing guests with a mixture of education and entertainment keeps them engaged.

“Making the event both educational and fun not only improves the impact of the event, but it also brings to light all the different things that the Porter County Health Department does. It shows them our community partners that we work with, and shows them the services they provide that they may not have known existed. Bringing the fun and education together helps brighten the mood and get the information out there at the same time,” said Dr. Rodney Guimont, a health officer.

The annual health fair has largely been successful thanks to the number of vendors who buy into the mission of keeping Porter County healthy. Educating the community on the resources available right in their hometown is critical.

“Even though we’re in a digital age and you can find services online, searching for those services online can be difficult. Having them all here at once allows people, at their own pace, to go around and seek out what’s important to them,” said Guimont.

Hundreds attended this year’s health fair, enjoying the free services, playing in the splash pad at Central Park, and learning more about what they can do to make sure they’re healthy through the summer and beyond.

The fair left every attendee better than when they arrived. Whether that was with information or something physical, the impact of the health fair was far-reaching through the community.

“Everybody needs help, but not everybody likes to speak up for help. Having it handed out or having someone to point them in the right direction is nice,” said Christiana Cruz-Lopez. “Everyone here is so friendly and helpful, which makes everyone feel welcome and want to be here.”

The Porter County Health Department is dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all Porter County residents. Learn more at in.gov/localhealth/portercounty.