Hundreds turn out for Sewell health fair

By Dave Clark

Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 | 9:27 p.m.

Roughly 70 immunizations were given at the Friday Health and Wellness Fair held at C. T. Sewell Elementary School, where community members also received free toiletries and coats as well as information on local agencies.

"It was absolutely amazing," Sewell counselor Renee Fairless said of the turnout of more than 250 people.

The fifth annual event was created to provide community members with information on where to go for help, Fairless said.

"Sixty percent of my job is social service work," she said.

Organizations like HopeLink and St. Rose Dominican Hospitals had booths and Touro University students measured blood pressure. Elise Wolff Elementary School donated coats, while free soap, shampoo, blow dryers and bath robes were contributed by Loews Lake Las Vegas and Fiesta Henderson. The Green Valley Rotary donated money to distribute new socks and underwear. Attendees also received $25 gift cards for Food 4 Less.

Shanin Silva arrived with her three children, Kristle, Kaycie and Jayden, who were treated to toys.

"I'm a single mom with three kids," she said. "Anything I can get to help helps. I think it's a great thing for the community."

While other children squirmed uneasily as they dreaded the prick of a needle, her children were in line to get IDs through the Nellis Masonic Lodge. The national program provides parents with the means to get information on their children quickly to first responders in the event of an emergency.