On Saturday, October 4, the Archuleta Rural Health Network is sponsoring the third annual Archuleta Health Fair and Expo at the Pagosa Springs High School. The event runs from 7:00am to 1:00pm. The fair and expo will feature affordable adult wellness lab tests, a number of health screenings such as hearing exams and blood pressure screenings, and a farm-to-table lunch, prepared onsite by the school’s talented chef, Todd Stevens. Much of the food that will be used in preparing the lunch will be locally gathered from meat producers and produce growers in the county. Backyard gardens, community gardens, and the dome growers have offered to donate produce they have grown themselves for the event.
One of the goals of Healthy Archuleta, particularly at the health fair and expo, is educating the community about eating locally; the many benefits of eating a healthy diet from locally sourced food are an important step in maintaining our health and reducing our risk for illness.
During the lunch, there will be a presentation by Keynote Speakers, Stacey Foss and Dr. Asit Goswami, speaking on Stress and Health: Practical Tools for Everyday Resilience. Stacey is a licensed addictions counselor at Authentic Solutions Consulting, and Dr. Goswami is the Medical Director of Acute Care at Pagosa Springs Medical Center. Both are well-versed experts in how stress affects our physical and mental health and well-being.
The Pagosa High School Plant Science dome, located behind the school, will host a guided tour just before the end of the health fair, following lunch. This dome has been providing the plant science students with education and hands-on experience in growing year-round all types of plants, in particular the plant cycles of fruits and vegetables. This dome houses some permanent plantings as well, such as an avocado tree, tropical plants and vines, and a small cactus garden. This dome is a study in how a small ecosystem can thrive indoors despite a climate used to freezing temperatures several months out of the year.
In addition to the health and wellness screenings, several organizations dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles will be present, including those focusing on physical fitness, mental well-being, vision care, dental care, and health insurance assistance. Food and community vendors will also be in attendance, along with the Pagosa Farmers Market. Be sure to stop by their booths to buy local and support our local growers and producers. To see a list of the healthcare providers, vendors, and community organizations who will be participating, visit the Healthy Archuleta website.
There will also be a booth highlighting another important Healthy Archuleta project, the Community Food Hub. Over the past several months, Healthy Archuleta has reached out to the community with the proposition of a food hub located in Pagosa Springs to serve local food producers, retail food trucks, cottage industry participants, and anyone interested in how local foods benefit the community. A presentation and a conceptual design of the food hub will be at the booth.
Some of the planned features will include open dining spaces, a commercial kitchen, cold and dry storage facilities, indoor and outdoor spaces for growing fresh produce, and gathering areas for events. Be sure to stop by the booth to learn more about this exciting opportunity to bring local food and community together in Archuleta County.
One other addition to this year’s Health Fair and Expo is the kids corner. Bring your kids along and join us for a fun and creative experience at our Kids Make & Take Table! Local artists will guide children through hands-on art activities, offering screen-free alternatives that encourage mindfulness and creativity. Kids can explore weaving projects, beading, and glass art while learning new skills they can take home.
This year’s Health Fair & Expo is designed to support individuals of all ages, by encouraging wellness and health, and building a stronger community for every generation. To learn more about the Archuleta Health Fair and Expo and to register for the available low-cost labs and farm-to-table lunch, please visit the Healthy Archuleta website. Click on the Registration Form to Attend the Fair.
We are also looking for volunteers to help support the event. You can sign up to volunteer on the Healthy Archuleta website.
Register today to help advance the health and well-being of our community!