SMC kids health fair, community success
The Shoshone Medical Center Kids Health Fair had more than 150 families visiting different community booths.
Photos courtesy of SUSAN BERRY
SMELTERVILLE — After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Shoshone Medical Center (SMC) Kids Health Fair was back in action, holding its outdoor event this past weekend and spreading health awareness to the community.
This was the 14th annual free fair, focusing on educating children and their families on health care and discovering community resources in a safe, fun environment. Another critical aspect of the event is a clothing giveaway, and this year, SMC was able to provide more than 167 coats, hats and scarves to children who needed them for the upcoming colder months. Around 14 community groups were set up on the SMC Health and Wellness Outdoor Track, including Shoshone Medical Center Foundation, which also sponsored the fair. SMC Administrative Assistant Susan Berry was thrilled with the turnout, telling the News-Press,
"The event was well attended, and the weather was perfect for the barbecue. Many families picnicked on the grass and enjoyed all the exhibitor information."
More than 150 families perused the different booths and collected resources, free swag and treats along the way.
"Kootenai Health gave away 108 bike helmets and educated families on helmet safety, and their tobacco team also brought their MEGA Mini Brain that had fun interactive trivia questions for the kids," Berry said.
Other community groups included Mountain Valley of Cascadia, giving out cotton candy, North Idaho CASA providing supplies for parents, and Shoshone County Sheriff's Office providing safety information and resources, as well as the deputies playing some cornhole with attendees for different prizes.
Despite not holding the health fair in person for the past couple of years, SMC could still provide free coats to more than 200 children in 2021, as families drove through the event instead of walking through to maintain social distancing.
SMC provides critical access to health care to the entire Silver Valley community, offering many inpatient and outpatient services. For more information, call 208-784-1221 or visit shoshonehealth.com.