By Ann Louhela

Mary Jane Cruz, Northern Nevada Medical Center health fair volunteer, assists a participant with a body fat analysis screening.

It is 7 on a brisk January morning and medical technologist Suzanne Norris notes a few dozen people waiting in line for the community health fair to open in a few minutes. Six staff members and five hospital volunteers are on hand to ensure the event runs smoothly.

By the time it ends at 11 a.m., more than 200 local residents will have received health screenings including blood work, blood pressure and fitness screenings. Norris nostalgically recollects the first Northern Nevada health fair in 1994, which consisted of two staff members, a few patients and finger stick tests.

"I would perform the testing on patients in a little room next to the laboratory. As the monthly screenings became popular, I had to move into the hospital lobby," Norris recalled. "Over the past 11 years, the screenings have been very popular, with 200 to 300 people attending each health fair."

Northern Nevada views health fairs as a vital component of its community service programs. They are held six times a year and provide discounted lab tests and free health screenings to local residents. The tests include complete blood counts, lipid profiles, blood chemistry panels, thyroid screenings and more. After fasting for several hours, patients are treated to complimentary coffee, juice and pastries.

Susie Yabu of Sparks said that health fair volunteers often hear comments like, "We love the hospitality. The staff works hard to make sure we don't have to wait long, and the volunteers are so friendly."

About a third of the health fair participants are uninsured or underinsured. Community health fairs often are the only affordable means they have to obtain these medical tests. Insured participants like the convenience of so many screenings available in one place. They can request tests or use a doctor's orders. Northern Nevada Medical Center doesn't bill insurance for health fair participants, but does provide a receipt that can be used for that purpose if the participant wishes.

Originally known as Sparks Family Hospital, Northern Nevada Medical Center opened as Sparks' first hospital in 1983. This year the hospital celebrates 25 years as a community partner. One of the ways Northern Nevada is celebrating its 25th anniversary is through a new health fair outreach program. Throughout 2008, the hospital will host several fairs at off-site locations. This program is designed to better serve our community by providing easier access to more residents. It also will increase public awareness about this valuable service.

All outreach health fairs are 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Dates and locations are as follows:

• Thursday, May 1, D'Andrea Golf Club, Sunset Terrace Room, 2900 S. D'Andrea Pkwy., Sparks
• Thursday, July 3, Lazy 5 Regional Park, Cottonwood Room, 7100 Pyramid Hwy., Sparks
• Thursday, Sept. 4, North Valleys Regional Park, Grand Room, 8085 Silver Lake Road, Reno
• Thursday, Nov. 6, The Resort at Red Hawk, Event Center, 6600 N. Wingfield Springs Pkwy., Sparks

"I'm very proud to have started this program with my lab manager, because it continues to be a great service to the community by providing quality laboratory results to patients at a reasonable cost," Norris said.

Ann Louhela

Ann Louhela coordinates volunteer services and community relations for Northern Nevada Medical Center. For more information about health fairs and volunteering opportunities at the hospital, please call 356-0141.

Northern Nevada Medical Center 2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000