PRESS RELEASE October 11, 2019 For Immediate Release
Canton Board of Health’s 31st Annual Health Fair
Time flies, as the Canton Board of Health’s now 31st Annual Health Fair is just around the corner. On Saturday, October 26th , starting at 10:00 AM and lasting until 1:00 PM, Canton residents will be able to gather for the Annual Health Fair at Canton High School.
As you may remember, this event features numerous health exhibits related to screenings for cholesterol levels, hearing, vision, and blood pressure. Attendees will be able to directly question health care providers and health product suppliers, health professionals, public health and other governmental officials, as well as social service organizations who will be available to chat with attendees about their programs and services.
Several Town Departments will be providing informational displays. The Canton Fire Department and Animal Control Officer will be present to discuss their roles and services as protectors of public health and safety, and the Police Department will be available to talk about public safety tips. For the meager sum of $10, the Board of Health will be selling sharps containers for residents to dispose of used needles and other sharps (e.g. “lancets”) which barely covers the cost of the container and disposal after they have been filled and dropped off at the Board of Health Office. Individuals from the Board of Health and Fire Department will staff the Canton Medical Reserve Corps and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) tables for people who are interested in information on, or volunteering for either, or both of these important emergency response groups.
Since the annual flu season has begun, residents will be able to receive their annual quadravalent flu vaccination while at the Health Fair. It is anticipated enough flu vaccine shots will be available this year for any Canton resident, 9 years of age or older .
The flu vaccine is made available mostly from purchases by the Board of Health and paid for by its revolving fund. Presentation of your insurance or Medicare card(s) helps finance the Board’s revolving fund to help pay for the flu vaccine each year and also helps offset the cost of the Health Fair. So although the flu vaccinations will be distributed free of charge, you are therefore requested to please bring your Medicare card or health insurance card(s) if you have one so that the Board of Health may continue to afford this valuable program. There is no co-pay. Bear in mind, Flu shots obtained elsewhere rather than from your local Board of Health will not contribute to help fund your Town’s free flu vaccination program nor directly benefit your community.
After 30 years of success, the Board of Health’s Canton Health Fair returns as a reliable health resource for educating the public in present-day health issues and disease prevention, and other health related services. It is guaranteed there will be something there for everyone.
As always, out of fairness for everyone, there will be no early admissions. For more information on the 31st Annual Health Fair, contact the Canton Board of Health at (781) 821-5021.
Submitted,
John L. Ciccotelli, R.S., C.H.O.
Director of Public Health
Canton Board of Health
