How to Organize a Health Fair in Ohio

Whether the citizens of your community have health insurance or not, health fairs are an effective tool in public health education. Ohio health fairs can raise awareness of diseases; bring together different disciplines like medicine, dentistry, nonprofit services and support groups; and provide convenient free screening opportunities for busy or low-income people. Health fairs can also showcase Ohio medical providers and services, encouraging small businesses and offering volunteer opportunities in hospital directory desks, hospice care programs, long-term care facilities and other worthy causes.

Things You'll Need

• Volunteers (representative of multiple disciplines)
• Operational budget
• Meeting facility, equipment and parking area
• Promotional materials
• Food, beverages and snacks (optional)
• Internet access

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Form a leadership committee to assist in planning and implementing a health fair. Invite participants from various disciplines across the community, including medical professionals, agencies, schools, businesses, faith-based groups and health-related nonprofit ventures.

• 2

  Choose what type of health fair will meet your goals. In some areas of Ohio, miners' health needs might may need to be addressed. In other communities, substance abuse may be a growing problem. Consider hosting family health fairs, women's health fairs, men's health fairs, elder health fairs or minority health fairs. Another way to categorize a health fair is by disease, such as a heart health fair or cancer prevention health fair. Whatever emphasis you choose, if any, ensure it is targeted to the specific needs of your population for maximum impact.

• 3

  Assign subcommittees with tasks of scheduling, procuring facilities, administering invitations to desired participants and booth registration, managing the budget, promoting the event, organizing refreshments and other tasks. Assign specific jobs within subcommittees and communicate responsibilities clearly. Make sure guest medical representatives have equipment needs met, whether that includes access to electrical outlets for screening equipment or privacy screens.

• 4

  Promote the community health fair across multiple platforms according to your budget limitations, including radio, TV, print, Internet and social networking. Promote the health fair in hospitals, civic centers, churches and other places of worship, doctors' offices, schools, universities and major employers. Promote the event beginning in advance and increasing in frequency as the fair date approaches. Include confirmed information like what screenings will be available, what services will be included and what other benefits will be available, like free samples and giveaways.