• Through the ministry of the Mobile Health Fair (MHF), people who do not have access to, or resources for, medical care receive screenings, education and referrals as needed.
• The impact on individuals, families and communities is immeasurable and unquestionable.
• Health Fairs serve as a vehicle for community improvement.
• Health fairs are free to participants.
• Local presbyteries, churches and mission groups sponsor health fairs in partnership with the Synod of the Covenant.

Local church leaders and representatives of health and social service agencies unite to bring the Health Fair Ministry to the people.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “community” as “those who share a common interest”.  Myself and two volunteers experienced “community” in its truest sense during a recent health fair held in DeTour Village, Michigan.  DeTour Village, with its population of 426, is located in the southeastern corner of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan; nestled along the St. Mary’s River with some of the most beautiful scenic views that I have seen. 

However remote or rustic DeTour appears, it is not “untouched” by the economic climate as it tries to deal with sluggish tourism and many individuals losing health insurance and/or experiencing a reduction in health benefits.  Union Presbyterian Church chose to reach out to their community; to host a health fair to serve their neighbors. 

 After much communication with their committee surrounding the possibilities and responsibilities of the host site, we were able to see firsthand the tremendous success achieved through their sense of joining together to serve others!!!  Upwards of 100 participants visited this health fair and benefitted from the services and information provided by more than the 10 local agencies which were represented (many more were situated outside of the church).   

 DeTour Village was not the only great fair that was held this summer; 52 fairs were held in a period of 9 ½ weeks.  The team of college-aged students travelled to sites located in 9 out of the 11 presbyteries of the Synod of the Covenant located in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.  A total of 2249 participants were screened during these 52 fairs resulting in 504 medical referrals and 54 dental referrals made to local clinics and agencies.  A staggering 558 volunteers worked with the team to ensure that each fair ran smoothly and that all education and screening stations were covered. 

With diabetes, particularly type II diabetes, on the rise in the United States in all age groups; I feel it is important to share that 898 glucose tests were performed during the fairs on individuals 18 years of age and older.  Of these tests performed 124 (not previously diagnosed with diabetes) individuals experienced elevated glucose levels and were referred to their physicians for further testing.

  Every participant, young and old, received educational materials on diabetes in the areas of detection and prevention.  The Mobile Health Fair travels with over 23 educational displays as well as resources to distribute to participants concerning the display topics. 

 This ministry is supported by mission funds remitted to the Synod of the Covenant by the presbyteries who receive these funds from weekly offerings taken by each congregation!!Thank you for all of your support; without volunteers we cannot possibly reach out to all of the communities that we serve annually!

God bless you as you work within your community.