CULLMAN – On Saturday, Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church held its first annual Community Health Fair. The event offered many free services such as blood glucose, blood pressure and body composition screenings. It also offered free flu shots and cholesterol vouchers to redeem at Cullman Regional Medical Center.
“We are a church filled with medical professionals, nurses and teachers,” said Laura Reeder, church member. “Lori Henry, one of our church members, is a nurse practitioner. She had the idea for us to do a health fair so I jumped right in and started helping.”
“We have seven presentations going on today, each with different health professionals that will be going on throughout the day,” Reeder continued. “We also have close to 20 vendors that represent different holistic medical practices.”
The presentations covered the following topics: diabetes education, women’s health, preventive medicine, stress management, heart health, virus awareness and one titled discover a healthier you. The church wants to emphasize the practice of good health habits and would like to connect members of the community with the various health organizations and agencies in the area.
“The whole point is to share resources,” smiled Reeder. “Different churches do different events for the community throughout the year. A lot of them are geared toward the holidays. We just saw a need in the community and we tried our best to meet that need. We really feel like it’s living out the gospel that we’re able to meet the tangible needs of the community and not just some big event.”
Businesses such as Community Urgent Care, CRMC, Cullman Wellness & Aquatics Center, Cullman Internal Medicine, Good Samaritan Health Clinic, Hospice of North Alabama, Southern Medical Equipment, Boy Scouts, Take Shape for Life, Encore Sports Medicine and many others were on hand to greet folks and tell them about the services they offer. Each representative was excited to be a part of the day’s event.
“Here we are at our first healthcare convention here in Cullman,” said Elise Zapka, certified health coach with Take Shape for Life. “Imagine what it’s going to be like 10 years from now!”
“The whole community has gathered around and donated their time and resources,” Henry said proudly. “It’s been really encouraging being our first year and all.”
The event was a huge success and there are already plans being made for another health fair next year.
“We would also like to extend an invitation to anybody that doesn’t have a church home that our doors are open and we would love to see everybody on Sundays,” smiled Henry.
If you or someone you know would like more information about Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church, stop by and attend church with them one morning. They are located at 1310 Saint Joseph Drive, Cullman, AL 35055. You can also give them a call at 256-739-0505.
