Payson Roundup

Residents of Rim Country and specifically Pine and Strawberry have the opportunity to get some free and low-cost health care Saturday. They will also get a chance to learn of the various health resources available.

The Pine Strawberry Health and Resource Fair is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 26 at the Pine Community Center. 

There will be blood draws for a small fee; free blood pressure checks along with oxygen saturation readings

DPS will have a roll-over vehicle to teach the importance of always wearing seat belts. The extrication vehicle will also be on hand and there will be demonstrations on how people are removed after a crash. Native Air will be landing its helicopter and provide mini-tours of the craft. 

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office will fingerprint children and an attempt is being made to have a demonstration of its police dogs. 

The Community Action Program will also be represented, along with Gila County Health Department. There will be informational tables with materials from Hospice Compassus, Payson Care Center, Payson Home Health and Simon Med as well as other providers.

Some of the vendors will be having giveaways. 

The intention of the Health and Resource Fair is to educate the public on medical issues and the wonderful programs that are available for those in need.

There will also be food — a free pancake breakfast starts at 9 a.m. and members of the Kiwanis Club will be at the fair with their hot dog wagon. 

This is the third annual Health Fair, but this is the first year resource information has been included. With the economy the way it is, providers are finding that many residents require assistance with a number of issues, and the program sponsors want to address that. The sponsors also want to make the fair more kid-friendly and get as many youngsters as possible fingerprinted to help ensure their safety.e.