The Wibaux Health Fair has been serving Wibaux County and surrounding communities with health-saving testing and informational booths for many years. The 30th anniversary of the Wibaux Health Fair ‘Pearls of Wisdom for Better Health’ was open for business before the sun came up. The 2018 health fair, held in March, opened its doors to over 525 youth and adults.

The health fair is also a social event. Farmers, ranchers, and retirees welcome the opportunity to visit with friends while enjoying a continental breakfast sponsored by local individuals and businesses. Youth enjoy the hands-on booths and picking up a snack or a free pencil.

With an emphasis on prevention and healthy lifestyles, the health fair is sponsored by MSU Extension in Wibaux County. The fair has grown to serve more than 500 people (in a county with a population of 1,000) with typically over 20 organizations exhibiting their health-related services.

With the cooperation of many volunteers and the local high school, which serves as the location for the fair, this is one of Wibaux’s most anticipated annual events.

Healthcare in Wibaux consists of a county-owned clinic staffed two days a week by Glendive Medical Center, and two days a week by Fallon Medical Complex.

Nutrition and health education are essential components needed to emphasize the importance of developing healthy lifestyles. Routine medical examinations also play an important role in prevention, as well as early detection.

The Wibaux Health Fair offers complete blood profiles, A1C, anemia panels, Vitamin D, and PSA screening at reduced costs. Other services offered include blood sugar testing, blood pressures, free hearing evaluations, and a wide variety of services for all ages.

The health fair committee consists of Danielle Harper, MSU Extension Agent; Patti Goroski, MSU Extension Administrative/ Program Assistant; Trish Olson, Wibaux County Health Nurse; and Barb Maus, former Wibaux County Health Nurse.

The health fair has proven to save community members thousands of dollars in health care costs. It has also saved the lives of those who have been referred to their primary care physician due to an abnormal blood profile or other screening tests.

Because of the information presented, participants are aware that increased physical activity and improved dietary habits are a necessity to prolong their lives. Offering testing at a reduced cost encourages people to complete their blood work in a timely and cost-effective manner. Incorporating a variety of informative/ hands-on booths provides supplemental information to those attending.

To learn more about Wibaux County, see their program highlights here:  About Wibaux County