February Healthy Happenings for Carroll County

There have been numerous healthy happenings for Carroll County throughout the months of January and February. This includes the quarterly combined meeting with the Carroll County Health Council, Prevention Coalition and Community Advisory Board (CAB). Additionally, the Huntingdon Special School District hosted its first community health fair. There was also a great turn out at the Cupid Shuffle 5K for ALS in honor of Mathew Jones.
The Carroll County Health Council, Prevention Coalition and CAB agencies had their quarterly combined meeting on January 18th. This was a hybrid event that took place in-person at the Careers Center in Huntingdon and virtually via Microsoft Team. Members of these agencies shared resources and upcoming events for Carroll County. Discussions were held regarding the plans for health fairs at schools throughout Carroll County. CAB updated members about its second annual drive thru baby shower for Carroll County with a tentative date sent for August 3rd. The Prevention Coalition shared information about their newest team member, Krystal Tippitt. The Carroll County Technical Center culinary arts students prepared a delicious meal that was sponsored by the Prevention Coalition. These meetings are open to the public and provide an excellent update on all the wonderful events taking place in Carroll County. The next meeting will be April 18th (Wed) at 12 p.m.. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Public Health Educator Robyn Hatler [email protected] or Prevention Coalition Director Heather Foster: [email protected]. We would love to have your input!
On February 9th, the Huntingdon Special School District hosted its “Put a Little LOVE in Your Health” community wide health fair. The event started with a performance by the Huntingdon Pre-K class. There were numerous agencies on site to share resources to the community. Mustang Mentors and Teen Health Council members played games with the children, while caregivers got to visit booths. Participants could enter a drawing for door prizes that were donated by community members. There was an excellent turn out with over 100 community members stopping by to learn about the resources available.
In the upcoming months, health fairs are planned for other schools throughout the county. These health fairs will take place during the school day and give agencies a chance to provide health information to the students. McKenzie High School’s health fair will be March 23rd; McKenzie Middle School’s health fair will be March 30th; West Carroll Jr/Sr High School health fair is planned for March 31st; Clarksburg’s health fair will be May 5th; and Hollow Rock-Bruceton’s health fair is tentatively set for May 15th.
Another great healthy happening success for the month, was the Cupid Shuffle 5K/1 mile fun run/tot trot for ALS that took place February 11th at McKenzie City Park. This event honored Matthew Jones, a local community member that received the diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in January 2021. There were over 80 participants in the 5K, with even more community members joining in the one-mile fun run and tot trot. Abigail Wallace (12 years old) from McKenzie was the overall winner of the 5K in a time of 20 minutes and 28 seconds.
We know there are many more healthy happenings around Carroll County. We want to be able to share them! Please, let us know if you have any information you would like us to share in these monthly columns. You may email Public Health Educator Robyn Hatler: [email protected] or Prevention Coalition Director Heather Foster: [email protected].
The Carroll County Health Council’s mission is to identify and prioritize current health issues and problems while continually working to promote, protect and improve the health of persons living in Carroll County. Their Facebook page – Healthy Carroll County Facebook – shares information about health-related topics including 5Ks, food/commodity drives, sports events, outdoor activities and more. Please like/follow our page to be kept up-to-date.