Cooperative Extension in Pitt County teamed up with Catholic Social Ministries to host a health fair for local Hispanics.
Finding health care in a new country, especially when you don’t speak the language, can be a challenge. In order to help Hispanics in the Pitt County area become better acquainted with the health care resources in their area, Cooperative Extension teamed up with Catholic Social Ministries to host a Hispanic Health Fair in April.
The event resulted from collaboration between Pitt County agent Susan Reece, family and consumer education, and Betty Byrne, director of Catholic Social Ministries’ Tar River Deanery. At the fair, hundreds of free resource guides, featuring all agencies taking part in the event, were distributed to all participants. The guide is written in both English and Spanish.
The collaboration between the two agencies began when Reece called Byrne to ask if she could use some of Extension’s Spanish-language health education materials. The diocese, which has a large ministry to Hispanics, jumped at the opportunity, Byrne said. In addition, Reece spoke to the ministry’s local support group for Hispanic women.
“ What was incredibly beneficial was that we were able to discuss some mutual concerns (regarding Pitt County’s Hispanic population),” Byrne said. “We realized that we approached these issues from different places and brought different resources.”
Pitt County has a large Hispanic population, Byrne said, and some are U.S. citizens, while others are not. For those who are not citizens, and any of those who do not speak English, access to the county’s health resources can be limited. But there are a number of agencies this population can turn to for health services, and many of them turned out for the health fair, she said.
“ There’s a growing Hispanic population in Pitt County,” Reece said, “and we felt that they weren’t aware of all the services in the community because they are new here.”
Byrne said this was the first time Cooperative Extension had reached out to her agency, and the health fair became its largest collaboration ever. Reece said that Catholic Social Ministries pulled together a wealth of volunteers for the fair, who provided interpretation services, baked goods and directional signs.
“ What they brought to the table was a wonderful resource of volunteers,” she said.
The health fair, held on a Saturday at the county’s Agriculture Building, attracted about 120 participants. Activities were planned to appeal to families. While parents visited educational exhibits, children enjoyed face painting, puppet shows, a fire truck and smoke house and recreational activities provided by East Carolina University. An ECU dance exhibition and live band entertained all participants.
Fifty-six vendors representing 25 agencies provided information about health care topics such as second-hand smoke, lead poisoning, AIDS, child development issues, mental health issues, pregnancy issues, dental health, substance abuse, nutrition, first aid, asthma and car seats for children. Diabetes and blood-pressure screenings also were available to participants.
Sixty-seven volunteers, including Spanish-language interpreters, also participated.
Reece said vendors who attended were impressed and hoped that the fair would be repeated next year.
In addition to the two sponsoring agencies, a number of local organizations, agencies and businesses helped support the event.
Those who would like to receive a free copy of the resource directory should contact Reece at susan_reece@ncsu.edu or 252.757.2803, extension 32.
— Natalie
Hampton
