• Purpose

The purpose of Public Health Awareness Day is to inform the public of all the services provided by Public health, local health departments as well as local agencies public health collaborates with to meet the needs of the community. None of the agencies use this event to sell products or services – only to share information. The day itself is designed to demonstrate that public health and collaborating agencies are “user friendly” and easily accessible. It is a day filled with health screenings, food, fun, but most importantly information for residents of all ages and ethnic groups.

• History

In 2002, Brenda Mims had an idea to provide a health fair to the community in the southern area of Valdosta/Lowndes County and enlisted assistance from various public health agencies in the area and some community partners. This health fair would provide resources to the community by way of free health screenings, a sundry of health and wellness information and lunch at no cost. This activity was initially designed to be a one-time event with a focus on reaching as many in the community as possible. At the end of the day, an elderly participant asked, “When are y’all coming next year?” As a result, this event went from a little over 75 participants (including vendors) in 2002 to more than 477 participants in 2008.

• Date & Time:

  • Saturday ~ June 27, 2009 from 9:00am until 2:00pm

  • This year’s event falls on the same day as National HIV Testing Day, which is June 27^th of each year.

• Location:

  • Southeast Elementary School Gymnasium

• Target Population:

  • Local communities in Lowndes County and Valdosta City areas

• Collaborating Agencies include some of the following:

  • Valdosta Board of Education / Southeast Elementary School

  • Valdosta/Lowndes Parks and Recreation

  • Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department

  • Valdosta Police Department

• Services Offered:

  • Free screenings, may include but are not limited to:

Blood Pressure Monitoring Cholesterol Screening

Bone Density Screening Body Mass Measurement

Nutritional Assessment Hearing Screening

Vision Screening Finger Printing

Fire Safety Dental Screenings

• American Red Cross Blood Drive:

  • In memory of Coretta Rogers

• Food:

  • Food is provided to participants and vendors at no cost; however, participants are required to visit a pre-determined number of booths before their meal will be provided to them

• For More Information Contact:

  • Brenda Mims, RN – Infectious Disease Coordinator

    • By phone at (229) 245-8711; Ext. 237 or by e-mail at bcmims@dhr.state.ga.us

  • Patrina Bowles - Infectious Disease Secretary

    • By phone at (229) 245-8711; Ext. 235 or by e-mail at plbowles@dhr.state.ga.us