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Chilton High School was the site of an exciting, buzzing and cooperative exchange of services for health and wellness across Falls County.
The Chilton Health and Back-to-School Expo held Saturday, Aug. 17, focused on these key areas that play significant roles in achieving and maintaining optimal health: nutrition, physical activity, mental health, medical health, and spiritual health.
The Chilton Health and Back-to-School Expo was hosted by the Chilton ISD with support from Rosondra Hartsfield Falls County Prairie View Extension and Myriam Virelli, Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Agent for Family and Community Health. Welcoming everyone and facilitating placement of tables, equipment, banners, and announcements were Chilton ISD Superintendent Dr. Brandon H. Hubbard and Chilton High School Principal Kimberly McKnight.
Working through the Falls Community Access, Resource, Communication (ARC) Coalition, a group of local individuals dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and community members, the presentations on health and wellness were exemplary.
Chilton ISD Superintendent Dr. Hubbard, also a member of Falls Community ARC Coalition, said it best, “In a small community, the school is the heartbeat. Building a strong community means building strong schools and conversely building a strong community by making sure the [health] needs of the individuals and community are met.” The Falls Community ARC Coalition states, “Your Needs, Our Mission.”
At the Chilton Health and Back-to-School Expo, over 26 exhibits provided over 425 individuals access to services for health and well-being.
Fifty-seven school physical examinations were performed by Dr. Stephen Winfield Ponder (MD Pediatric Endocrinology) representing Bell County Feed My Sheep based in Temple, Texas. Vaccinations were provided by Bell County Health Department with boxes of additional medical supplies coming from Greater Jude Tabernacle Church.
One-hundred and three families were served with bags of both canned food and fresh vegetables and produce, including watermelons! A clothing and shoe closet was open to all. Candy and specialty items like pill keepers and stress-relief squeezy-s were equally abundant. School backpacks were distributed, too.
Volunteerism was alive and well at this Health Expo. Fourteen student volunteers, 10 adult community volunteers plus 20+ school personnel volunteers placed tables and chairs, signs and banners. They laid out the course that spanned through the hallways of the administration area. “We had a lot of fun!” exclaimed volunteers. They ran errands from one station to another, helped with translations, while many others carried groceries to people’s cars. Finally, volunteers, smiling, guided families to the many services awaiting them.
Greater Jude Tabernacle from Chilton offered blood screening, high pressure testing, health screening, and a resource bag. Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Satin, Texas, featured a clothing giveaway and, through the Shirley Charles Foundation, distributed items such as washing powder, lotions, small appliances, Tupperware, and more, all new items from WalMart. First Baptist Church of Marlin offered invitations to youth and children’s programs; its food pantry distribution schedule is Tuesday 5-7 pm, Thursday 11 am -1pm, and Sundays immediately after Worship. First Baptist Church of Marlin also opens its doors to welcome anyone who would like to partake in its Thanksgiving Community Meal and Fellowship on November 28, 2024, at 12:00 noon.
The coming together of this community, which included Marlin, Rosebud, Lott, Cago, Mooreville, Satin, Golinda, Eddy, Wilderville, Cedar Springs, Wilson, and more, was a reaching out to encourage individuals of all ages who live here. “All our work is done with the hope and expectation of us all growing together, no one needs to feel alone,” says Chair of the Falls Community ARC Coalition Letitia Estep.
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