This weekend, East Whatcom County residents can take advantage of free health services, food and entertainment at the second annual Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair May 20.
The event, hosted at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Maple Falls from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., honors the late Mahaffey, a community member invested in local health and wellbeing.
A variety of partners, including VSP Vision Care, PeaceHealth and Sea Mar Community Health Centers, will offer free check-ups, sports physicals, blood pressure and blood sugar testing, hearing and dental screenings and vision exams. No health insurance is required.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services will also have a table at the event, offering childhood and school-required immunizations; Tdap, HepA and HepB vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults; and HepC and HIV testing. Syringe Services, including Narcan distribution and education, clean syringe distribution and fentanyl test strips will also be available.
Without a clinic, East Whatcom residents lack access to adequate health care and often have to travel to Bellingham for appointments. The wellness fair’s first year was a years-in-the-making success, and bridged a gap in care.
In addition to free health resources, attendees can enjoy complimentary healthy snacks and a lunch from the Common Threads Food Truck, as well as a bounce house, Nooksack storytelling with Tamara Cooper-Woodrich and other educational resources and giveaways.
Those interested in receiving basic medical screenings, dental procedures, transportation, hearing and vision checks, and other services and activities should RSVP by calling 360-599-3944. Walk-ins for some services will also be welcomed.
Those interested in donating kids’ bikes, helmets, event tents and monetary funds can contact Jessica Bee at jessica_bee@oppco.org or call 360-599-3944.
