CASPER, Wyo. — Those who visited Wyoming Health Fairs’ Health and Wellness Expo at the Ford Wyoming Center on Saturday were able to receive tips on how to get and stay healthy, educational resources for a variety of personal health issues, some healthcare testing and much more.
In total, 60 businesses and organizations had booths at the fair.
“There’s things here for every age and every level of health and fitness,” said Kristina Olson, Ford Wyoming Center director of events. “Some of the vendors are selling things, but plenty of them are also just giving out information and educational materials.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to walk through a giant inflatable colon, the insides of which were covered in educational materials about colon health.
The Casper-Natrona County Health Department was partnered with the day-long event and was among the organizations that had a station.
“We’re here to help people be a little bit healthier, and also to educate about all the different programs and opportunities at the health department,” backup public information officer Katie Redd said. “A big push we’re doing right now is trying to educate people about what public health is, because over the past few years with the COVID-19 pandemic the public perception turned into ‘Public health is vaccines and fighting COVID.’
“We actually do so much more than just COVID vaccines. We’ve done work in suicide prevention, cancer screenings for those who are uninsured or underinsured, support in patient navigation for HIV survivors and just a whole lot more.”
To utilize the various services offered at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Redd said people only need to call or visit in person.
Wyoming Health Fairs Executive Director Tandi Rinker said the nonprofit has been hosting similar expos for years throughout the state, though this was the first time it was hosted in Casper at the Ford Wyoming Center. With the slew of organizations that got involved, coupled with what she said was a very strong turnout, it may not be the last time it’s held there.
“This is really the perfect place for an event like this,” Rinker said. “I’d love to come back here.”
