Latino Health Fair is Feb. 7

Family relations and diabetes will be the focus at the sixth annual Latino Health Fair Feb. 7 in Melrose.

St. Cloud State University Continuing Studies organizes the annual event each winter to bring together Latino families and Central Minnesota services. The event is a joint effort with CentraCare and other local organizations.

The event also gives visiting nursing students from the Universidad de Concepcion, Chile, a chance to present on a health topic while they are visiting St. Cloud State.

The event is 2-5 p.m. Feb. 7 at CentraCare Health-Melrose, 525 Main St. W., Melrose. It is free and open to the public.

The health fair features several free services such as health, vision and hearing screenings, therapeutic massage and information about MNSure Enrollment, finance, workforce development and access to higher education. St. Cloud Technical & Community College will offer basic dental services and education.

“There’s always something for everyone,” said organizer Elizabeth Valencia-Borgert.

Latino service organizations from the Twin Cities region and the tri-county area will present to reach out to Latino families from rural Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health has joined as a sponsor this year. Information on services provided by United Way, Stearns-Benton Employment & Training Council and the Mexican Counsulate will also be distributed to participants.

Visiting students Catalina Rubilar and Constanza Cortes from the Universidad de Concepcion are expected to present on diabetes and obesity, two important topics in the community. Diabetes is also a focus of CentraCare this year.

Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center will give a presentation about family relations, and TRI-CAP will provide information on the Food SNAP program, energy assistance and tax assistance.

Admissions officers from St. Cloud State and St. Cloud Technical and Community College will give information about accessing higher education.

St. Cloud State nursing students will provide screenings and health information, while communication and science disorders students will offer hearing screenings. Language and cultures students, international students and students who are heritage speakers of Spanish will help by serving as navigators and interpreters to assist the families as they move from service to service.

The event is family focused.

“If we have a healthy family, we will have a healthy community,” Valencia-Borgert said.

Light refreshments, free daycare and free transportation from Long Prairie, Sauk Centre and around Melrose is available to all participants. For more information, call Elizabeth Valencia-Borgert at 320-308-0955.