Porter Public Library to host annual Health Fair

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  Health and Fitness on Mon, Oct 27th, 2025 by Cleveland.com

Event Details

The Health Fair will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the library’s main reading room and adjacent community hall. The fair is free and open to the public, with special accommodations for children and seniors. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. to ensure a smooth flow of participants and to allow visitors to sign up for various timed activities.

Sponsored by Local Health Partners

Key partners for this year’s fair include the Porter County Health Department, the St. Joseph Health System, and the Midwest Wellness Initiative. The County Health Department will provide free blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screenings. St. Joseph’s will host a “Nutrition & Weight Management” session featuring a dietitian and a cooking demonstration. Meanwhile, the Midwest Wellness Initiative will showcase its community fitness programs and offer on‑site fitness assessments.

Workshops and Presentations

A diverse slate of workshops will be available throughout the day. Highlights include:

• Mental Health Matters – A presentation by the Porter County Mental Health Services, focusing on coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and depression. The session will also include a brief mindfulness exercise and a Q&A segment.

• Healthy Aging – A talk by the Porter County Geriatrics Clinic that covers fall prevention, medication management, and the importance of regular health screenings for older adults.

• Teen Health & Wellness – A series of interactive activities tailored for teens, such as a “Build Your Own Healthy Snack” station, a teen yoga demonstration, and an educational session on safe internet use and body positivity.

• Pregnancy & Parenting – A panel featuring a midwife, pediatrician, and a lactation consultant addressing prenatal care, newborn health, and breastfeeding support.

In addition to the workshops, the library will host a “Book & Health” corner, where visitors can explore health-related books and receive a free library card for continued access to wellness resources, such as eBooks, audiobooks, and online databases.

Community Resources and Health Services

The fair will feature booths from various community health providers, offering on‑site services such as:

• Vaccination Services – Flu shots, tetanus boosters, and travel vaccines administered by licensed nurses.

• Dental Check‑Ups – Dental hygienists will perform basic oral health screenings, including plaque removal and cavity detection.

• Mental Health Screening – A quick, confidential mental health questionnaire will be available for participants, with immediate referrals to local counseling services if needed.

• Family Planning – A booth run by the Family Planning Clinic will provide contraceptive counseling and access to reproductive health resources.

• Substance Abuse Resources – Representatives from the Porter County Addiction Recovery Center will offer information on treatment options, support groups, and harm reduction strategies.

Library’s Role in Public Health

The Porter Public Library has long been a hub for community engagement, and this fair underscores its commitment to health education. Library staff will volunteer to assist with event logistics, data collection for follow‑up studies, and outreach to underserved populations. The library’s collaboration with the County Health Department exemplifies a model of public health partnership that leverages existing community infrastructure to disseminate critical health information.

Accessibility and Safety

In keeping with public health guidelines, the fair will observe COVID‑19 protocols, including mandatory mask usage in indoor areas, hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue, and social distancing markers at all registration and screening stations. The library is equipped with wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating, ensuring that all community members can participate comfortably.

How to Prepare

Attendees are encouraged to bring a form of identification and any relevant medical records that might be needed for screenings or referrals. Parents should bring their children’s growth charts or immunization records to facilitate age‑appropriate assessments. Participants may also pre‑register for specific workshops via the library’s website, which can help reduce wait times during the event.

Looking Ahead

The Porter Public Library’s Annual Health Fair has evolved over the past decade into a pivotal community health initiative. According to library officials, the fair not only provides immediate health services but also fosters a sense of community resilience by connecting residents with local health resources. The library’s upcoming plans include expanding the fair’s digital component, featuring virtual health consultations and a podcast series on wellness topics.

Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and take advantage of this free, community‑driven health event. For more information, including the full schedule and a list of participating partners, visitors can visit the library’s official event page or contact the Porter Public Library’s outreach coordinator at outreach@porterlibrary.org.