A Veterans and Community Health Fair is planned for November 22, 2011 in Henderson, NC. A committee consisting of veterans, community representatives and service providers have been planning this event to assist in connecting veterans, active military, family members and the general public to resources and offering support. The event will feature services ranging from health screenings to veterans’ benefits. A special welcome is extended to persons who are homeless, have unmet housing or job needs. The health fair is being offered for Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Vance and Warren Counties.
Participants in the health fair will include representatives from Durham VA Medical Center: Office of Rural Health, Women Veterans’ Health Clinic, Vet Center Mobile Unit, Iraq/Afghanistan Transition, and Ray Koval, Henderson Veterans Support Group facilitator ( Raleigh Vet Center). Other participants include: Vance Co. Veterans Transportation; Jean Reaves, Sen. Kay Hagan’s Veterans Liaison; Employment Security Commission-Local Veterans Employment Representative; and Community Workforce Solutions. Several health agencies and other community partners have been invited.
This project is solely supported by donated resources, and volunteerism. Area chambers and companies have been contacted for donation of small gifts to offer health fair attendees free of charge (e.g. pens, note pads, personal hygiene, socks, and hats for men and/or women). If any business or community organization would like to make a donation, please contact Cynthia Fenner at (252) 430-3048 or Anne Williams at (252) 430-3077. Volunteers have been offered by Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Inc., Kittrell Job Corps, Community Workforce Solutions and all of the committee members. Commander Thomas Breedlove, Lt. Col. (Retired) Edward Blue and members of American Legion Post 60 have generously donated use of their building and assistance. American Legion Post #60 is located at 110 East Spring Street (600 Block of S. Garnett Street), Henderson, NC.
In the early stage, there was discussion of a Veterans’ Stand Down for the month of November to help veterans who are in need of extra assistance because of the cold weather and to bring a measure of cheer to them during the Holiday Season. November is a special time for honoring veterans (e.g. Golden Corral/DAV Appreciation Dinner and the Employ- A-Vet-Week). The Veterans and Community Health Fair will serve the same purpose only on a smaller scale and will now include any persons who have a need for assistance during this time of year.
For donations or volunteering, please contact Cynthia Fenner at 252-430-3048 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Phyllis Maynard at 252-432-9376 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.