Ken McLemore
HOPE – The Hope Public Schools will partner with the April Love Foundation, ExpressRx Pharmacy and the Hempstead County Health Department for community health and vaccination events through October.
HPS District Nurse Renee Sells, RN, said a Community Health Fair on Sept. 11, sponsored through the April Love Foundation, will feature multiple healthcare screenings that are free of charge.
“The school nurses and the Bobcat Clinic will actively participate in this health, wellness and fitness initiative,” Sells said. “You can get free blood pressure, blood sugar and vision screenings, donate blood, get a COVID-19 vaccine or a free dental kit.”
The event is set from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hope Fair Park Coliseum, 800 S. Mockingbird St.
“Door prizes will be given and lunch will be provided,” Sells said. “There will also be two separate fitness classes for volunteers.”
The Boot Camp Bess Fitness Class runs from noon until 1 p.m. and the Steps to Move to Health class is from 1-2 p.m.
Door prize chances will be awarded for each test or screening completed, or by providing a non-perishable food item or canned good for The Outreach Center. Three door prize chances will be awarded for each blood donation. A drawing for a $100 prize will also be awarded at 1:30 p.m.
The first 10 blood donors to pre-register will receive a $10 gift card and a LifeShare tee shirt.
“This health fair will be packed with activities for all ages,” Sells said.
ExpressRx Pharmacy and Hope High School will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic Friday, Sept. 17, during the first half of the Hope-Prescott football game at Hammons Stadium, she said.
“The clinic will be set up under the red canopy near the concession stand,” Sells said. “The Pfizer or Moderna vaccines will be available for those ages 12 or older. Parents should accompany students that receive the vaccine.”
Sells said there is no charge for the vaccination.
“You should bring a copy of your insurance card if you have one,” she said.
ExpressRx Pharmacist Dr. Laura Beth Martin will be on-site to answer questions, Sells said.
Consent forms in English and Spanish are available at the HPS district website www.hpsdistrict.org online.
County and school campus flu vaccination clinics will be conducted by the Hempstead County Health Department beginning Sept. 28 at Hempstead Hall.
Separate Hope Public Schools flu vaccine clinics are set for Oct. 11 at Yerger Middle School, CATS campus and Hope Head Start; Oct. 12 at Clinton Primary School and ABC Preschool; Oct. 13 at Beryl Henry Elementary School, Hope High School and the Hope Collegiate Academy (University of Arkansas-Hope campus); and Oct. 14 at the Hope Academy of Public Service campus.
Contact the Hempstead County Health Department for questions.