



Health Expo '25 to offer interactive, informative fun event


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Health Expo 25 to Offer Interactive, Informative, and Fun Event for Clark–Champaign County Residents
On Friday, August 14, 2024, the Dayton Daily News reported that the long‑running Health Expo 25 will return to the Dayton area, promising a “fun‑filled, hands‑on experience” that blends health education with interactive displays and community outreach. The event, organized by the Dayton Community Health Partnership (DCHP) in collaboration with local hospitals, non‑profit organizations, and municipal health departments, will take place on the grounds of the Clark–Champaign County Fairgrounds, opening at 10 a.m. and running until 6 p.m. The 25th anniversary of the expo marks a milestone for an event that has provided free health screenings and wellness resources to over 200,000 residents since its inception in 1999.
A 25‑Year Legacy of Wellness
The Health Expo 25 began as a modest gathering of health‑care providers in 1999, aiming to give the Dayton‑area community a central venue for health information and basic screenings. Over the past two and a half decades, the expo has evolved into a multi‑day affair that features over 100 booths, live demonstrations, and workshops on nutrition, mental health, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
According to the Dayton Daily News, DCHP President Maria Gonzalez said, “This year’s expo will showcase how far we’ve come in community health. We’re expanding our outreach to include digital health tools and environmental wellness as part of our mission to promote holistic health for all residents.” Gonzalez highlighted the expo’s partnership with the Dayton Health Department, which will provide a COVID‑19 vaccination station, flu shot clinic, and a mobile tele‑health unit.
Event Highlights and Activities
1. Free Health Screenings and Vaccinations
A staple of the expo is the array of free screenings. Visitors can receive:
- Blood pressure checks, cholesterol and glucose testing, and BMI assessments by local physicians and student interns.
- Vision and hearing tests conducted by community health volunteers.
- COVID‑19 rapid test stations and seasonal flu vaccination booths—an offering that the health‑department’s spokesperson, Dr. Alan Jenkins, emphasized as a key component of the county’s vaccination campaign.
2. Interactive Demonstrations and Workshops
The expo is slated to feature interactive “experience stations” designed to engage attendees of all ages:
- A “Healthy Kitchen” demo that teaches quick, nutritious meal prep with a focus on plant‑based diets, hosted by nutritionist Elena Rodriguez.
- A “Move It” fitness station where attendees can try low‑impact exercise routines led by a local fitness instructor, with a special emphasis on the “Dance Your Way to Health” program that partners with the Dayton Youth Dance Club.
- A “Stress Relief” corner offering guided meditation, deep‑breathing exercises, and a demonstration on building a personalized stress‑management plan.
3. Family‑Friendly Fun
To make the event family‑friendly, the organizers are offering:
- A “Kid’s Health Quest” scavenger hunt that teaches children about nutrition, hygiene, and the importance of regular check‑ups. Participants who complete the hunt receive a small “Healthy Hero” badge and a free sticker pack.
- A “Play Zone” where a pediatrician runs interactive play‑based health checks, focusing on developmental milestones.
4. Technology and Digital Health Tools
In partnership with the local university’s Health Informatics Lab, the expo will feature a “Digital Health Demo” area. Visitors can explore:
- Tele‑health kiosks that provide basic medical consultations.
- A showcase of wearable devices and mobile health apps, highlighting how to track steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns for better overall health management.
5. Community‑Based Workshops
The expo’s educational sessions include:
- A 2‑hour workshop on “Managing Diabetes in the Home” presented by the Dayton Diabetes Association.
- A 1‑hour panel discussion on “Healthy Aging” featuring gerontologists and social workers discussing ways to maintain quality of life in later years.
- A 30‑minute lecture on “Mental Health in the Digital Age” from a licensed clinical psychologist.
Collaborations and Sponsors
The event is sponsored by a mix of local businesses and health‑care entities:
- Baylor Health Center and Tri‑Health Clinic provide the main health‑screening teams.
- Champaign County Food Bank and Local Grocery Co‑op will have booths offering nutrition tips and free grocery vouchers.
- Dayton Public Library will provide a “Digital Literacy” corner, teaching residents how to navigate online health resources safely.
The Dayton Daily News also noted that the Clark–Champaign County Fairgrounds has upgraded its parking and accessibility infrastructure, making the expo inclusive for individuals with mobility challenges.
Community Impact and Future Plans
The Health Expo 25 is more than a health fair; it’s a community gathering that underscores the role of preventive care. “We’re proud that more people are taking the initiative to check their health status early,” said DCHP’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Laila Peters. “These early interventions can help reduce the long‑term burden on our hospitals and improve overall quality of life.”
In addition to the expo, the organizers are planning a year‑long series of pop‑up health workshops in neighborhoods that have limited access to healthcare resources. This initiative aims to create a network of community health ambassadors who can guide residents to nearby clinics and wellness programs.
How to Attend
The Dayton Daily News lists the official event page as the primary source for ticketing and additional details. Although the expo is free, attendees are encouraged to register online via the DCHP website to receive a digital “Health Expo Guide,” which contains booth maps, speaker schedules, and an FAQ section. The guide also highlights the expo’s “Green Initiative,” encouraging attendees to bring reusable water bottles and using recycled signage.
For anyone who wishes to volunteer, the organizers have posted a volunteer sign‑up sheet on the same webpage. Volunteers will help at screening booths, guide visitors to workshops, and manage the registration desk.
Final Thoughts
As Health Expo 25 prepares to welcome thousands of residents to the Clark–Champaign County Fairgrounds, the event promises an engaging blend of medical screenings, interactive learning, and community spirit. The partnership between the Dayton Community Health Partnership, local health providers, and municipal agencies exemplifies a coordinated effort to make health information accessible, actionable, and fun. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a new family moving into the area, this anniversary expo is a must‑attend event for anyone interested in taking a proactive role in their own well‑being.
Read the Full Dayton Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.daytondailynews.com/community/clark-champaign-county/health-expo-25-to-offer-interactive-informative-fun-event/D2DOK6BC7NDTNC3KSVTODZKC7M/ ]