Peach County Health Department hops into healthy living

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – It was a busy Saturday as children rushed to get as many eggs as they could while their families learned about the many health resources available to them locally.  

The Peach County Health Department’s annual Spring Into Good Health Easter event took place on Saturday, March 30 at Festival Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. While children were able to take part in the easter egg hunt, all were welcome to participate in health screenings and learn more about their health.

Vendors ranged from the Peach County Health Department, Atrium-Navicent, the Georgia Department of Public Health, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, Peach Concerned Citizens Inc., Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia, Synovus Bank, SunMark Community Bank, and more.

Spring Into Good Health featured entertainment in the form of stage performances with Mama Mia and Carmen Nicholson with Zumba. Throughout the program, there were speakers regarding health including women’s health with Monique Battle Stallworth, NP; opioid surveillance with Marissa Cody, an NCHD Overdose Surveillance/Planning Specialist; and a self-defense course with Keisha Bibbs from Responsibly Armed.

Office Manager Millicent Jordan was ecstatic with the turnout from the community.

“We appreciate the great community turnout! We have brought all of the resources to the people, they have received it with open arms and we appreciate it. We look forward to another year of it!” Jordan said.

County Nurse Manager Stacy Hodges was surprised with the large turnout from the community and hoped that the participants take advantage of the resources available.

“It has turned out to be a great event. It really has surpassed our expectations! We have a lot of local resources, not just health but different services here locally. So, we’re really proud of that. ” Hodges said.

County Nurse Manager Stacy Hodges listed some of the health resources that were provided to those in attendance.

“We have the Department of Health offering information regarding the services we provide – womens’ health, adult health, hypertension and diabetes as well as immunizations. We have an immunization tent out here providing at home Covid kits, as well as providing patrons and participants with Covid vaccines. We also have some of our other employees providing face painting,” Hodges said. “It’s not just us, we had our Health Department’s dental group out here doing screenings and providing educational information. We have vendors that are checking HIV statuses, opioid and narcan education, firearm safety and education. We have the 4H out here talking about plants and agriculture.”

Hodges stated that her favorite part of Spring Into Good Health was getting to meet and greet with everyone.

“Meeting everyone in the community, some I’ve seen around at other health fairs and some are new. So, I really enjoyed meeting those in the community that I work for,” Hodges said.