Health workers are gearing up for the Hispanic Leadership Council's annual Community Health Faire, set for July 25, in Modesto.
The fair, which will be at Hanshaw Middle School, 1725 Las Vegas Ave., is the only time some people see a doctor, nurse or dentists all year, said Dr. Jose Rodriguez.

"The main people who attend don't have medical insurance," said Rodriguez, a family practice doctor in Hughson. "They don't have Medi-Cal, or qualify for MIA (they county's Medical Indigent Adult program). They can't get into a clinic even if they wanted to. They don't qualify for any assistance."

Many who take advantage of the free health screenings are working people, who work at minimum wage jobs, but they can't afford to pay for insurance," Rodriguez said. "Some employers can't afford insurance fore their workers. All of them are hard-working people who are fallin between the cracks. As time goes on, that list of Americans is getting bigger and bigger."

This year, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is co-organizing the health fair with the Hispanic Leadership Council. Severla other hospitals, clinics, health maintenance organizations and others are sponsors as well.

"Our primary goal is to provide access to a population that normally doesn't have it," said Teresa Saltos, a registered nurse and chairwoman of this year's event.

A plethora of screenings will be offered, including blood pressure, cholesterol, dental, diabetes, anemia, vision, hearing and chiropractic.

Physical examinations for children also will be offered, and immunizations will be given. Parents are asked to bring their children's immunization records if they will receive shots.
Organizers expect more than 1000 people will attend the fair. Volunteers are needed.

"We need everyone, nurses, physicians, people who can direct clients to different areas, gofers, dentists, optometrists, dietitians, phlebotomists," Rodriguez said. "We need everybody. Translators, too."

People who would like to volunteer are asked to call 558-6824. For general information or to help sponsor the event, call 667-0232.

From Modesto Bee, July 6, 1999. Donna Birch