The purpose of a health fair is to provide early detection of health problems and to increase health awareness in all Alaskans through screenings and education. Alaska Health Fair collaborates with a variety of local and statewide organizations to assist communities in planning and coordinating these fun and educational events. Health fair programs and services meet the needs of the many diverse Alaskan communities. A health fair may be geared toward the total community or be focused on a specific group or subject.

Alaska Health Fairs are staffed and coordinated by community organizations and volunteers. By offering participants health education and medical screenings, we hope to increase participants' health awareness, promote a healthy lifestyle, and promote better-informed consumers in the health care system.

Alaska Health Fairs follow the health fair model. This model emphasizes:

• Community Self-Reliance and Coordination
• Trained Volunteers
• Emphasis on Service rather than Data
• Equal Emphasis on Education, Screening, Personal Health Counseling and Local Referral and Follow-up
• All Services in One Event with Standard Procedures to Ensure Quality

Various health education exhibits, models and learning centers are offered at Alaska Health Fairs. We believe that an interactive learning experience is the best. People of all ages can be actively involved in learning about health and wellness.

Health Fair Goals

• To promote health awareness.
• To increase self-assessment abilities through interactive learning experiences.
• To encourage participants to assume responsibility for personal health choices by developing a personal wellness plan for maximizing health and longevity.
• To use health screening information for early disease detection and to increase understanding of how the body functions.
• To reassure and to encourage participants to continue healthy behaviors.
• To increase understanding of available health care and health promotion resources in local communities.
• To promote utilization of local, community resources and encourage collaboration among private, voluntary and government sectors.