How to Host a Health Fair

Health fairs help raise public awareness of important health issues.

The objective of a health fair, according to the Texas Agrilife Extension Service, is to help the public become aware of health issues and make healthy changes in behavior. Health fairs are typically organized by groups such as local hospitals, faith-based groups or schools and may last from a few hours to several days. Health fairs give the public opportunities to examine displays and speak with experts, find printed material covering specific health issues and participate in related activities.

Instructions

Organize a Committee

1. 

   Split the work up between two or more chairpersons.

   Designate a chairperson or co-chairpersons. The chairs will assign responsibilities to the committee members.

2. 

   Schedule regular committee meetings to report on progress.

   Invite participants to a planning committee. They may be health professionals, representatives from health agencies and the local schools, a reporter from the local newspaper, clergy, an accountant and a social worker. Each member of the committee contributes ideas from his field of expertise and will be responsible for implementing them. He will also delegate duties to his subcommittee.

3. Identify necessary subcommittees and invite potential members.

4. 

   Hall rental, services and goods can be covered by donations.

   Draw up a budget and delegate a subcommittee to handle finances and donations.

5. Set a working schedule. The subcommittee members should report to their planning committee heads at predetermined times. The members of the planning committee will then meet with the chairpersons and start to implement approved actions.

Determine How Best to Serve Your Target Audience

1. 

   Your audience may be pregnant women or seniors, but each group needs information tailored to its specific needs.

   Choose the population that needs health education in your community. For example, a rise in the number of pregnant women indicates a need for a fair focusing on pregnancy, labor, delivery and post-partum care as well as care of the newborn.

2. List the events and activities appropriate to the target audience.

3. 

   Size of hall, ease of access and facilities for people with special needs are important factors.

   Choose an appropriate date and location, taking into consideration the probable schedules and physical condition of the target audience.

Plan Activites and Invite Experts

1. 

   On-the-spot screening is an efficient way of raising people's health awareness.

   Select the types of displays and services to feature in the fair. For example, a display of footwear for diabetics, blood pressure screening and immunizations.

2. 

   Attendees will value the opportunity to speak to a health expert for free and privately.

   Plan booths staffed by experts with whom the public can talk and ask for information. Examples are a pediatrician, dietitian, psychologist, gynecologist and dentist.

3. Ask health agencies and organizations for brochures and handouts.

4. Contact each participant two weeks ahead of the fair with a reminder of the date and where their display or booth will be located. Check that each one has responded. Ensure that each has the necessary equipment or facilities needed.

Publicize the Event

1. 

   Remind the public about the event.

   Advertise the fair on local radio, newspapers and TV two weeks in advance. Ask the radio station for a public service announcement.

2. Print posters, fliers and brochures. Distribute them in hospitals, clinics, supermarkets, schools and places of worship a week in advance.

3. Invite special guests to the fair, such as representatives of local government, local celebrities, important clergymen and community leaders.

Post-Fair

1. Collect evaluation forms filled out by attendees and analyze the results.

2. Hold a post-event meeting with the planning committee. Go over mistakes and lessons learned for future fairs.

3. 

   Show you appreciate the effort important people made to attend the fair.

   Write all outside participants and special guests to thank them for coming.

Tips & Warnings

• Emphasize free screenings in all publicity material. List the types of screenings. It will attract more people to the fair.

• Have ready a plan for transportation to a hospital or clinic of people whose blood pressure or blood sugar screenings are dangerously high.

• Children may not undergo blood pressure or blood sugar screenings without the explicit written consent of their parents.

References

• Agrilife Extension: Health Fair Planning Guide
• WhyQuit.Com: How to Plan a Health Fair

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:How to Plan a Health Fair