Good turnout for Gilpin’s 9Health Fair

Lynn Volkens

04/17/2008 - Gilpin’s 9 Heath Fair, held Saturday, April 12^th at the Justice Center, drew a steady line of people beginning when the doors opened at 7:00 a.m. until they closed at noon. This was the 29^th year of 9 Health Fairs in Colorado, but the first to be held in Gilpin’s Justice Center. (Last year it was held in Nederland.) There are many corporate and large metropolitan sponsors of the fair. Locally, it was a collaboration of Channel 9 in Denver, Gilpin County Public and Environmental Health, Mountain Family Health Center and numerous local organizations, including the Peak to Peak Rotary, Nederland Lions, Family Hospice, Gilpin Ambulance and Gold Mountain Village, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Evergreen Sport and Spine, Family Hospice, Gilpin Search and Rescue, and the College of American Students. Many of these organizations were responsible for sending the medical professionals who performed the tests and offered consultations. The Rotary provided food for the volunteers and assorted juices, fruit and crackers to quell the queasies, if needed.

  Most people came for the blood draw, a $30 blood chemistry screening for cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. The same test also analyzes kidney, muscle, bone and thyroid function. “That’s a screaming deal,” said Jennifer Lavely, Gilpin’s Director of Public Health and organizer of this year’s fair. For an additional $15, the phlebotomists drew a second vial of blood to check white blood cells. That test is used to determine the body’s ability to fight infection, anemia, liver disease and cancers. Men could request a blood draw for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) count, an indicator of prostate health ($25). A simple pulse oximetry test measured the percentage of oxygen in the blood, a potential indicator of lung and heart problems. Blood screen results will be mailed to the participants in six to eight weeks. If something shows up in any of the tests that needs immediate attention, said Lavely, the person affected will be called within 72 hours.  

  At another well-visited station, a nurse checked specifically for skin cancer, a risk that increases for Gilpinites because of altitude. Many folks stopped in at the “Body in Balance” station where they were put through paces of standing with eyes closed and standing on one foot long enough for the physical therapist to determine healthy body position, posture, flexibility, strength and balance. She offered each person simple exercises tailored to his or her need. Vision, height/weight and body mass, blood pressure and pulse screenings were quick and easy. By completing a private questionnaire, a person could screen for mental wellness. Health professionals, for both mental and physical health, were on hand to answer questions. Flyers about health care of all kinds, and contact numbers for those wanting further help, were spread over several long tables.

  Deni Darby, Gilpin’s Veterans Officer manned a station with Teo Dominguez and Wes Morrow from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. They talked to vets about the services available specifically for them, and footed the bill of blood draws for veterans who might not have gotten them otherwise. Darby said it was a great venue just to exchange information and expected to reach more veterans next year. “This year was the footprint,” he said, “Next year we’ll take the next step.”

  Jennifer Lavely, Gilpin’s Director of Public Health, said 200 Gilpinites had attended the health fair, a good turn out for the first year at this location and enthusiastic enough to schedule it at the Justice Center again next year. There might even be a junior health event for youth scheduled along with it. This year’s fair went smoothly, said Lavely, who was already noting improvements for next year. Most people were through in less than an hour. The health fair provides the testing inexpensively and conveniently. Sometimes these tests aren’t covered by insurance policies, or they aren’t covered as often as people need to be tested. Too many times, people don’t go to the doctor unless they’re sick, Lavely said. Early detection is what wins out, she commented, noting it saves billions of dollars in healthcare over the long run. “This helps everyone, from a fiscal standpoint,” she said. “The 9 Health Fair isn’t meant to be a replacement for health care,” Lavely cautioned, “but it promotes preventive health screening for everyone, regardless of income, status or health condition.” She and Darby both commented about the “connecting” benefits of the fair. People were talking to each other and exchanging information, not just about health but other aspects of their lives. It brought folks together, they said. Connections made at this health fair will go on helping Gilpinites who use the information themselves and/or pass it along to friends.

   (Lavely has put a Lions collection box in her Justice Center office for folks to drop off their no longer needed prescription spectacles. They’ll be redistributed to those who need them.)