Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System and Soroptimist International of Hutchinson are joining forces to co-sponsor a family health fair this weekend. The family health fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, from 8:00 a-m to 12:00 p-m, in the Sunflower South Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

The health fair coincides with the Soroptimist Women’s Show, which is scheduled for 9:00 a-m to 4:00 p-m, in the Meadowlark Building, also on the fairgrounds.

Lindsey Thiessen, Interim Director of Marketing for Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, said the April family health fair will replace the hospital’s annual health expo, which was held in October, starting in 2008.

Susan Puls, said the Soroptimist Club established the Women’s Show in 2002, and expanded the event to include a health fair in 2009.

“The family health fair will target the under insured and uninsured,” Puls said. “It is our hope that the screenings and preventative education provided at the fair will allow the community to be proactive about their health.”

Physicians, nurse practitioners and healthcare professionals will be on site to administer a wide array of tests and screenings including: carotid doppler, heart risk assessments, Epworth sleepiness scale, pharmacy Q&A, blood lipid screenings, and much more.

Also, the Midwest Cancer Alliance has agreed to send representatives to the health fair for skin screening, prostate screening, bone density screening, and breast exams.

Kevin Miller, CEO and President of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the partnership between the hospital and the Soroptimists is a good fit in that both groups have, in previous years, sponsored health fairs. “The family health fair will provide area residents of all ages the opportunity to address specific health concerns and visit one on one with healthcare professionals,” Miller said.

All services provided at the family health fair will be free and open to the public. For additional information, interested parties may call Susan Puls at 620-728-9480.