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NEW ALBANY — Those in the community needing some medical attention are open to attend a free fair this weekend that provides just that.

The Neighborhood Health Fair is Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Church of Christ at 222 E. Spring St. in New Albany.

Wendy Swisher, a co-chair of the committee, said this event has been held for the past 12 to 13 years.

With the creation of the weekly soup kitchen Saturday Cafe, she said they wanted to continue to have free events meant to help those in the community.

“We felt that there was more we could do,” she said.

There was discussion with the Lion’s Club at the time since they conduct free vision clinics, including ones in Louisville, but thought about other things people might need regarding their health.

This health fair will contain free clinics and services for vision, dental, haircuts, medical checkups, flu shots, blood pressure checks, immunizations and there will also be free lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and those attending have access to the church’s community clothes closet. Bilingual and ASL interpreters will be available.

When people attend the fair, Swisher said the only information they give is their first name and county of residence when they register. No demographics or insurance is collected, although she said about 80% of those who attend are from Floyd County.

She said 300 to 350 people attend the event every year on average, and that 120 volunteers help to organize and put it on. Volunteers help “shepherd” attendees through the fair’s offerings.

Swisher said volunteers see “a lot of reaction” to the vision clinic of people getting their vision checked who may not have glasses or need new ones. Attendees’ eyes are checked, and then are referred to optometrists.

“That has been a great benefit to the people that take advantage of that,” she said.

She also said she enjoys being able to see the smiles of children who get a haircut for the first time.

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