By Vanessa Skean
The Archuleta Health Fair & Expo is a community event that provides education and access to health and wellness services for everyone. I recently had the opportunity to ask questions and hear feedback from our Spanish community about their experience at the fair last year. I was moved by their stories and motivated by their excitement. I was able to hear about how the fair impacted them and helped to improve their health and well-being. The event was so helpful that many plan to attend again this year on October 19.
When asked whether they were able to learn about services in the community they didn’t previously know about, many shared that meeting a healthcare provider was the most beneficial. Some were able to walk away with a new relationship as well as an appointment for medical care. Ruben shared, “They can assist you medically, and they have someone to translate if you don’t speak English…”
Interpreters and volunteers were incredibly helpful in guiding attendees towards services available. The Farm to Table lunch was a hit, and many are looking forward to another locally prepared, healthy meal. Ruben really enjoyed the food at the fair last year and shared it was “very delicious! Especially the apple empanadas!” He had a good experience and found everyone to be very helpful. When asked if he will attend this year, he shared, “Yes, if God lends me life, I will see you there.” We hope to see you all there.
Volunteers are the backbone to this event. Kristy experienced a particularly impactful day last year, where she was able to make a huge difference in the life of one of our community members.
“I volunteered, and my focus was mainly to help with the Spanish community, but I got to interact with everyone. The phlebotomists were quick and friendly. We even had a bilingual phlebotomist, Lloyd, who was really nice. I met and greeted mostly the Spanish-speaking people, but I assisted anyone who needed help. I also helped people with filling out forms for Axis Health and applying for the sliding scale in Spanish and English. We talked to one of the doctors, and he pulled out his Spanish and conversed with the Spanish speakers, which they really appreciated.
“We also had a situation where one gentleman felt very sick. One of the doctors there helped him stabilize and made an immediate appointment to see him at his office the following Monday. He has been following his care. This gentleman has established care with him and is on a journey to recover. I got to see some of our chefs make some amazing dishes and give alternatives to sweeteners. I got to sit in on a presentation and learn about healing herbs in Southwest Colorado through local Native Americans from Dulce. The farm-to-table lunch was amazing… a blast of flavor in every bite! It was a great day!”
Again this year, bilingual volunteers will be available. They are there to interpret English and Spanish, help fill out forms, and help make the whole event run smoothly.
Pre-registration is now! All registered will have the option to earn a wellness passport. This passport can be redeemed at the fair for a free day pass to soak at the springs. Make sure to secure your spot for labs!! (lab participants will be entered into a drawing to win an annual soaking pass at the springs resort) Reserve your meal for our farm-to-table lunch. It is going to be delicious! We hope to see you there!
For more information, visit our website and access the link to the pre-registration form… or email us at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.
Vanessa Skean writes for Healthy Archuleta.
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