Holiday Health Resource Fair in Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids, WFHR, WIRI

Well over one hundred people attended the Holiday Health Resource Fair held at the Mid-State Gymnasium on December 15th, 2023. The event was a collaboration between the Wood County Health Department and the H2N Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network. The event focused on low-cost and free healthcare resources in South Wood County, especially targeting vulnerable populations who have either gaps in coverage or barriers that prevent them from getting the resources they need that are available in the community.

Audrey Day, Community Health Worker with the Wood County Health Department organized the event, lining up more than sixteen organizations, programs, and coalitions who hosted tables with information and free giveaways. Throughout the evening, people in attendance were able to get free COVID-19 and flu vaccines as well as having their blood pressure checked and participating in diabetes screenings. Audrey said they had five diabetes screenings and blood pressure checks come back abnormal. She said, “That’s good in the sense that we caught it.” The doctor on-site that works with H2N was able to explain what the results meant and connect them with a health navigator. The navigator can help them find a health care provider, especially if there is a language barrier or other hurdles to overcome to get the help they need so their condition doesn’t worsen.

Santa was there to take pictures with the children and give out toys. Mittens, gloves, and beanies were available as well as face masks and at-home COVID-19 test kits. The event also featured ethnic foods to appeal to everyone. There were over 150 homemade egg rolls with supplies donated by Tong’s Market and Point Market, Walmart donated a gift card for supplies, Politos donated 10 pizzas, El Mezcal donated fajitas for 50 people, La Taqueria gave chips and salsa, and Starbucks donated toppings for hot chocolate and coffee and there was even homemade fry bread and toppings. It seemed like a lot of food, but by the end of the event, it was all gone!

Audrey said there were a lot of people who came together in a short amount of time to make this Holiday Health Resource Fair happen and she’s very grateful for it. She hopes the event will happen again and spread more awareness of resources available in our community.