On Saturday, a community health fair will offer residents free health screenings at the National Guard Armory in Liberty County.
The fourth annual event is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and is open to residents of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“Whoever wants to come up to this event is welcome,” Kascey Ifill, treatment director of Liberty County Drug Court said. “We welcome everyone to come. It is very important for the city … we encourage every resident to participate because some can’t get out to the doctors.”
The once-a-year event will offer blood pressure checks, glucose, dental and vision screenings, weight consultations and HIV testings with same day results. About 15 volunteers are working the health stations and will set up for the four-hour event. Medical professionals also will be on hand from Liberty Regional Medical Center, Family Intervention Specialist, Inc. and Diversity Health, among others.
Residents are encouraged to bring friends and family members to the event. Free food and drinks will be given out by Walmart, Arby’s, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Baldinos and Farmer’s Health Food, according to the Hinesville, Georgia Health Fair flier. GACHI, a deaf and hard-of-hearing awareness organization, also will give out door prizes.
Parents are encouraged to bring children as entertainment will be provided, including horseback riding and face painting. Shaved ice will be served as treats.
An average of 100 to 200 people of various ages generally attend the event, said Debra Phillips, office manager for Family Intervention Specialist, Inc.
“We have had attendance from the very young to the elderly,” she said.  “This year we are hoping that we get a variety of ages as well.”
Some are as young as 6 weeks, others are as old as 70, Phillips said. Attendees should also bring identification with them, as Medicaid Peachcare applications will be available to fill out.
“We just hope that it’s going to be a great turnout,” Ifill said. “We have so much and everything is going to be in one place at one time. How nice is that?”