Health Fair draws bigger crowd this year

The 2005 Family Health Fair drew more crowds this year compared to last year’s number of participants, making the second year more successful.

MARPAC Distributor general manager Joe Santos said the crowd started to pour inside the Hafa Adai Hotel in Garapan as early as 9:15am and, during the first hour alone, he noticed that the number of the crowd exceeded the total number of attendees last year.

Santos said he was very pleased with the turnout. He said the event was an opportunity for parents to understand more of the childcare needs of their children. He said the objective of the fair was to promote good healthcare for children, particularly since the CNMI has so much to offer to in terms of healthy living.

Participants were issued health fair passbooks once they enter the hall. The passbook contained the list of the participating government and private companies and agencies where they should have the passbook stamped for a free giveaway.

The fair, which featured several activities that focused on promoting health and safety awareness among families, was held from 9am to 3pm.

There were booths set up by different agencies and programs that provided materials and information about health issues that affect families in the Commonwealth.

Immunization was also available, led by the Department of Public Health, as well as fun games for each member of the family, including toddlers.

Giveaways included diapers, baby wipes, facial tissues, and toilet tissue. Special gift packs were given to pregnant mothers and babies.

Students from different schools, including day care centers, also provided entertainment for the participants.

Participating government and private groups were: CNMI Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, HIV/STD Prevention Program, Public Health Immunization Program, Department of Public Safety Police Division, Public Health Maternal Child Health Program, Children’s Developmental Assistance Center, CDAC-Child Developmental Screening, Hardt Eye Clinic, Seventh Day Adventist Dental Clinic, Carmen’s Baby News, Green Meadow School and Day Care, Public Health Dental Health Clinic, Sunrise Daycare Center, NMIAMI, Little Darlings Child and Respite Care, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Golden Harvest International School, American Red Cross, Motheread/Fatheread, R&E Q Day and Night Day Care, Children’s World Day Care, Joshua Generation International Academy, K-5 Childhood Development Center, NMPASI, Pacific Care Health Center, NMC-CREES and Enfamil Lipil.