POUGHKEEPSIE- As part of its continuing efforts to promote healthy living and wellness, the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) will host its second annual Y.O.U.R (Young, Old, Urban, Rural) Health Dutchess County Health Fair on Saturday, April 29th from 11;00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., held this year at Falcon Hall at Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie. The free event will offer residents and families access to health services and information in a fun setting, featuring more than 75 exhibits and demonstrations.
Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado, DBCH Commissioner, said, “We are excited to host our second annual Health Fair and provide our residents with a wealth of health information and resources in a fun and interactive way. Health and wellness are so important to our residents’ quality of life, and we want to show that living a healthy lifestyle can be easy. Learn hands-on CPR, check out how to be active with local step team and Zumba demonstrations, get your blood pressure checked, meet our friendly health team and so much more! We can’t wait to see you there.”
The event’s health topics include, among others:
• Pediatric, women’s, and elder health;
• Mental health;
• Resources available to veterans;
• Sexual health;
• Physical activity and wellness; and
• Emergency preparedness.
Participants can enjoy games, giveaways and enter to win several exciting raffles for the chance to win local business gift certificates, experiences, wellness baskets, and more. Attendees will receive free health-related items, such as tick removal kits, first aid kits, and COVID-19 test kits. Families can also spin DBCH’s prize wheel for the chance to win more fun giveaways.
Other interactive experiences include:
• Touch a Bus;
• Performances by local students;
• Jeopardy games with prizes;
• Car seat and bike checks; and
• Sensory-friendly games for children.
County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “Dutchess County prioritizes the health of our residents, and our Health Fair is a great way to make them aware of all the resources available to them. On top of the educational aspect, it will sure to be a day of fun for the whole family. I hope many can attend, and we thank Dutchess Community College for allowing us to use its facility to host this impactful event.”
The event aligns with the County’s inclusive ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative and will include a separate tranquil area for those with sensory needs. The area will also provide information on services for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dutchess County Public Transit will provide free shuttles from the Transit Hub on Market Street in Poughkeepsie to Falcon Hall, running continuous loops from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The inaugural Dutchess County Health Fair was held at the former JCPenney site at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, attracting more than 75 exhibitors and hundreds of guests.
To receive more information on the Dutchess County Health Fair email healthfair@dutchessny.gov. To learn more about health resources available in Dutchess County visit dutchessny.gov/health.
