LAKEPORT, Calif. – The third annual Heroes of Health and Safety Fair served nearly 2,000 Lake County residents on Saturday, Oct. 15.
 
Sutter Lakeside Hospital hosted the event at the Lake County fairgrounds in partnership with the county of Lake, Behavioral Health, Lakeview Health Center, Lake Family Resource Center, Lake County Office of Education, Lake County Fire Chief’s Association, California Highway Patrol, Hospice Services of Lake County, the Hero Project, St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Lake County Tribal Health Consortium, the American Red Cross, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
 
“This event has grown exponentially over the last three years,” said Allison Panella, community benefit specialist at Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “We cannot commend our community partners enough for raising the bar each year. We’ve greatly expanded the onsite services available to the community because of the willingness of community leaders to help, and have received great feedback from attendees.”
 
The fair served as a family-centric day that provided entertainment, as well as education and health care services.

Kelseyville Sunrise Rotary gave away 430 children’s bike helmets, and a total of 53 bikes were raffled to children throughout the day.

Public Health administered 470 free flu vaccinations, while My Safe California educated more than 400 people on fire safety.
 
“One quarter of attendees received a flu shot,” said Panella. “Public Health did a great job of administering virtually pain-free shots.”
 
“What really makes this event so special is all of the local agencies that come together to provide fun, food, and health centered information to the whole family,” said Kim Tangermann, clinic director, Lakeview Health Center. ”Seeing kids beaming as they win a bike, or receive a new life jacket, or sit in a fire truck is heartwarming. Connecting a family with medical or dental care holds the promise of a healthy family in the future. I am honored to work alongside this wonderful group of caring people.”
 
Additionally, Tribal Health and St. Helena Hospital-Clear Lake provided fluoride treatments and dental screenings while Lakeview Health Center provided dental education and dental kits.

The fair also provided A1C diabetic screenings, blood pressure screenings, oral cancer screenings, insurance information and EKG testing.
 
“We’re thrilled with the turn out, especially because of the rain,” said Panella. “We’re already excited for next year.”

Morgen Wells is Community Relations & Fund Development coordinator at Sutter Lakeside Hospital.