– Press release by 365 Health
Health Fairs by 365 Health, formerly 9Health Fair, are back this March through mid-May at more than 40 locations across Colorado, and residents in and around Westcliffe will be able to receive access to free and affordable preventive health screenings and resources on Saturday, April 15 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Custer County High School Multi-purpose room located at 709 Main Street.
For more than 40 years, the nonprofit has saved thousands of lives by providing equitable preventive health screenings to millions of Coloradans through its thousands of community health fairs. Last year the organization changed its name to 365 Health to better reflect its expanded mission of providing products, services, tools, and resources to help Coloradans stay healthy 365 days a year, and today it remains the largest volunteer-driven, nonprofit health, wellness, and prevention effort in the nation.
“Preventive health care is essential for maintaining good health, disease, and illness prevention, and early detection and diagnosis when treatment is easier and more effective,” said Gary Drews, CEO of 365 Health. “During COVID-19, Americans delayed or avoided entirely their routine preventive health care, and appointments have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, resulting in a reduced ability to prevent or manage chronic disease and an increase in preventable deaths.
“Last year alone saw nearly half of all adults, and roughly two-thirds of uninsured people in Colorado postpone medical care, according to the Colorado Health Foundation. A health fair is typically the best and lowest cost option to deliver preventive health care and improve equitable access and health outcomes.”
The free and affordable, low-cost health screenings offered at Health Fairs by 365 Health vary from site to site but can include blood pressure, vision, dental, stress, and more. For more information about the Westcliffe health fair and the available screenings that will be offered, or to make an appointment, visit https://365health.org/health-fairs/spring/658/screenings. For a complete list of statewide health fair locations, dates, and times, visit https://365health.org/healthfair-locations/.
While walk-up screenings will be accepted, registering ahead of time is recommended. Medical professionals will be on-site to offer advice and assistance and help participants decide which screenings are right for them.
“Recently, I hadn’t been feeling well, so my sister-in-law urged me to attend a Health Fair by 365 Health in Greeley. Less than 48 hours after attending the health fair, I received a call from a nurse who informed me that my thyroid blood test level was less than .01 and that I should contact my doctor,” said Terri Thomas of Loveland. “I did so right away and had further tests run and was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Through additional tests, I ultimately learned I was suffering from Graves’ disease. Had I not attended the health fair, I believe I would still be seeking answers. I’m feeling much better and am on the way to recovery, thanks to 365 Health staff and volunteers.”
“Our community-based health fairs and the free and affordable health screenings that are available are a necessary resource not only for Coloradans who lack access to preventive health care but also those who have high deductible insurance plans or no insurance at all,” added Drews.
For those unable to attend a health fair, 365 Health and Quest Diagnostics have partnered to offer the same affordable health screenings at Quest Diagnostics Lab Patient Centers (PSC) located across Colorado. No doctor’s visit or insurance is needed.
Each year, 365 Health relies on the dedicated support of volunteers to offer free and affordable health screenings and help improve health awareness. Those interested in volunteering for a community health fair are encouraged to visit https://365health.org/volunteer-1/.
– Press release by 365 Health
