Monday, October 4, 2010

Organize A High School Health Fair

High school health fairs are a great way to educate students about health care. Health fairs can vary from disseminating health information to performing health tests. The goal of health fairs is usually to create positive attitudes in young people regarding both preventive health care and on getting medical care, according to the Education Resources Information Center of the U.S. Department of Education. High school health fairs are usually done by a combination of students, faculty and health departments or other related agencies.


Instructions


Organize the Health Fair


1. Set up committees and duties. Along with students and faculty, your committee can consist of health professionals such as doctors, dentists or nurses.


2. Decide what type of fair to host. You can have a fair that focuses on education or you can have one that offers screenings and immunizations, too. If you are having screenings, remember to plan for delivery of results. According to Family and Consumer Sciences of the Texas A and M system, you must have a plan that will protect the participants' confidentiality regarding results. You may also want to select a theme for your fair.


3. Plan to have booths. It is a good idea to invite agencies to set up a booth at your fair such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. Other booths can include professionals with subjects such as "Ask a Doctor" or "Ask a Pharmacist."


4. Pass out brochures. If you have a theme, make sure you pass out brochures appropriate to the theme and the target audience.


5. Obtain consent forms. If minors are having screening procedures or immunizations, they will need a parent to sign a consent form.


6. Decide on entertainment. Some examples of fun extras you may want to include are food, door prizes, entertainment, decorations and games.


7. Assign people to logistics. Someone needs to decide on location and whether the event will be indoor or outdoor, electrical needs, amount of tables and chairs, adequate restrooms, parking, security, booth location and signage.


8. Advertise the event. You can do this through flyers and announcements.


9. Set up tables the night before.


10. Have a clean-up committee.


11. Send thank-you notes. If you used volunteers, you should recognize their efforts.







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