GLADSTONE, IL — The Henderson County Health Department is inviting the public to a free Health and Wellness Fair this Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their facility in Gladstone. With everything from free medical screenings to therapy dogs and breakfast, organizers say it’s well worth the trip for anyone in the area.
Community health workers Karen Cole and Sharon Graham are helping lead the event and say this year’s theme, “When Life Gives You Lemons,” ties directly into one of their key programs: Know Your Lemons, an educational breast cancer awareness initiative that uses lemons to show the visual signs and symptoms of breast cancer in a creative, memorable way.
The fair will also feature Julie Malone-Bell as the keynote speaker. A breast cancer survivor, Malone-Bell uses humor to share her experience and offer advice on advocacy and navigating treatment. Her talk, tentatively titled “Busting Myths,” is expected to be both inspiring and informative.
Among the biggest free offerings at the fair:
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Free A1C diabetes screenings, courtesy of the Carl Sandburg College Nursing Program
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Free oral cancer screenings
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Free Narcan, with information from recovery specialist Jeff McFadden from Rosk and Bridgeway
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Free breakfast for all attendees
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Free raffle entries for items like foot and neck massagers, blood pressure monitors, weights, exercise gear, and environmental kits
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Free face painting and a children’s basket drawing in the WIC department
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Free pet therapy sessions with golden retrievers from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department will also be on-site with a fire truck, and the Henderson County Fair Queens will be there sharing a message about kindness.
“No matter where you’re from—Aledo, Viola, New Boston, Keithsburg, Seaton, Millersburg—we encourage you to make the short trip to Gladstone,” said Graham. “There’s something here for everyone, and it really could save lives.”
A grant from Carolyn Adams – Ticket for the Cure – Breast Cancer Awareness helps to pay for the event.
The Henderson County Health Department is located just south of Oquawka in Gladstone. No appointments are needed and you do not need to be a Henderson County resident to attend or receive services.
For more information, contact the Health Department or stop by between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. this Saturday.