In Bend, Oregon, families gathered at the Deschutes County Health Services building for a free health fair aimed at supporting local parents and children. The event, organized in partnership with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, provided a range of services designed to promote family health and well-being.

Community Support and Engagement

The health fair featured a variety of offerings, including free coupons for use at local farmers markets, which were a significant draw for attendees. These coupons help families access fresh produce, supporting both health and local agriculture. Additionally, the fair provided information on child care programs available in the area, helping parents navigate their options for quality care.

Attendees also had access to free dental screenings, an essential service for maintaining children’s health. A mobile food pantry was available, ensuring that families could take home nutritious food items. Children enjoyed educational activities and received free prizes, making the event both informative and fun.

Building Community Connections

Christine Pagano, a WIC supervisor, highlighted the importance of the event for both participants and organizers. “Our partners and our staff really enjoy putting on this event because it’s an opportunity for us to see our participants in person,” Pagano shared. The fair provided a unique chance for staff to engage directly with the community, fostering connections that are not always possible in an office setting.

Overall, the health fair was a successful initiative, reinforcing Deschutes County’s commitment to supporting families through accessible health and wellness services.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.