Family day, resource fair set for Saturday in Dawson

DAWSON — Health care and social service agencies have joined forces to sponsor a family day on Saturday at the Terrell County Governmental Complex, located at 955 Forrester Drive, SE, in Dawson.

Sponsors say the event, set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a kickoff to a long-term effort aimed at reducing health disparities among Terrell County residents. The day will feature games, jump houses, fun exercise activities, food and music.

Organizers say it is designed to promote community unity, while also offering information on college and technical school resources, career counseling, affordable housing, health screenings, among other resources.

“Our goal is to inspire the community to get involved in efforts to promote better health, education, economic development and quality affordable housing. These are all issues that impact the overall health of a community,” said Kimberly Scott, director of the Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities at the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia.

Public health data in recent years has shown that Terrell residents suffer some of the worse health disparities in Georgia, including high cancer rates, high teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates, and high rates of obesity, heart disease and stroke.

“We’ve conducted interviews with residents and community leaders over the last year to get feedback on these issues, and everyone finds the current status unacceptable,” Scott said.

Jacqueline Jenkins, epidemiologist for the Southwest Public Health District, said the conditions Scott refer to are known as the social determinants of health, and that Voices of Progress-Terrell County is in the process of drafting a strategic plan to better address these issues.

“The health status of any community is based not only on access to health care, but also on poverty, education, race relations, and conditions where people live, work and play,” Jenkins said.

Charlotte Law, director of the Terrell County Health Department, said residents will have opportunities to win prizes if they share their input on the plan during one of the event’s activities.

“We’ve heard from community leaders,” Law said. “Now we want to hear what other residents think about how to improve conditions in their homes, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods.

“We already have some excellent programs in Terrell County that have proven effective in uplifting communities and making them healthier places to work, worship and live. The problem is that not everyone knows about them or realizes how they can benefit them and their families.”

Voices of Progress partners will work together to bring more resources to fill gaps in services, while better promoting existing programs, Law added.

Family day participants will be able to win pedometers by walking two laps around the walking trail at the governmental complex during the event, said Terrell County Cooperative Extension Agent Margaret Halbrook.

Darrell Sabbs, community benefits coordinator at Phoebe Putney Health System, said the event will offer a fun time for residents and increase awareness of community resources, and will allow the community to celebrate some of its achievements.

“Terrell County has one of the highest high school graduation rates in the state,” Sabbs said. “We want to take time to celebrate our teachers, school administrators and talented young people.”

“We want to see Terrell County citizens and supporters of all ages and races. This is about all of us, and it will take everyone working together to make a difference.”

It is open to all residents of Terrell County, as well as those who work in Bronwood, Dawson, Parrott and Sasser.

Sponsors are members of Voices of Progress, including the Cancer Coalition, Phoebe, the region’s public health district, Terrell County 4-H, Terrell County Family Connection and the Terrell County Health Department.

For more information, call Scott at (229) 312-1700.