OPINION
What would you do if you saw a need in your community?
Well, when Maria Jones of the Denton Freedom House staff realized that Pilot Point was listed as underserved in health services, she decided to do something concrete about it.
From her desire to help, the idea for the Pilot Point Health Fair was born.
Starting at 9 a.m. on July 19 at the Pilot Point Middle School, that dream is going to become a reality.
For months, representatives of the host organizations— Denton Freedom House, Pilot Point ISD, the city of Pilot Point and the Post-Signal—have been working to get the details worked out for this event, which is free for the community as well as for the vendors this year.
We have had incredible responses from sponsors— Methodist Celina Medical Center, Pilot Point Dentistry, the Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club, Concho Hearts Hospice, Bardwell Ink and TexomaCare Whitesboro—that have made it possible to provide our community with a look at providers, organizations, resources and businesses that could help improve their health.
We will also have Texas Health Resources on-site with a mobile unit.
Through that, women can receive free mammograms and other checks (and if you want to sign up, call 855--318-7696 to register in advance). We'll also have Carter Blood-Care there so participants can donate blood to help fill the need. As of Monday, we have more than 30 vendors signed up to bring information about the ways in which they serve Pilot Point and the surrounding communities. Because health and food security are so tied to each other, we are also going to gather donations of nonperishable food items during the July 19 event to benefi t Shepherd's Storehouse, Lovepacs Aubrey-Pilot Point, and HOPE Food and Clothing Ministry.
Every three nonperishable items you bring in will earn you an extra raffl e ticket, and we're going to have some great raffle prizes available to win.
We want the community to come out and to 'get checked and be well,' as our tagline says.
It's more than just a catchy phrase.
The health of our community is stronger when the health of our people improves.
Come see what is available to you, mingle with your neighbors and have some fun while you're at it.
We'll see you at the Pilot Point Health Fair on July 19.
Abigail Allen is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal. She can be reached at [email protected].
