by Amy Hunter

This past fall, in partnership with Jennings Lake Church, the Three Rivers Regional Library System organized a Hispanic Festival and Health Fair in Mayo, Fla. Advertising was done by flyers, Hispanic newspaper, and word of mouth that resulted in approximately 1,000 people attending the event.

Organizations and professionals providing services for the day included: medical students from University of Florida, Florida Division of Forestry, Lafayette County Health, Migrant Education from the Lafayette Schools, Quit Smoking, Elders Option, First Federal, WUFT-TV, children’s ID program by the Lafayette County Sheriff, and Immigration Law by Attorney Henry Lim. Also, grants were provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Florida Literary Coalition.

Jennings Lake Church member Amy Hunter, who serves as Literacy Coordinator for the Three Rivers Regional Library System, suggests that fellow church health fair planners form a partnership with area health institutions and local businesses.