Essentia Health, Youth Emergency Shelter & Supports host Indigenous and Community Health Fair

Partnering with Youth Emergency Shelter & Supports (YESS), Essentia Health hosted an Indigenous and Community Health Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Armory Arts and Events Center in Park Rapids.

Around 270 attendees of all ages, including students from area schools, attended the 5-hour fair dedicated to community health and wellness.

"Essentia Health's mission is to make a healthy difference in people's lives, and we are always looking to collaborate with trusted community partners like YESS to advance that mission," said Tess Rice, operations director for Essentia clinics in Park Rapids, Menahga and Walker. "This event was the perfect opportunity to do that, while bringing together so many important resources for our friends, family and neighbors."

The fair hosted 36 vendors offering information about various local services and resources, including for mental health, voting, college financial aid and application, local social services, pregnancy, substance use disorder treatment and recovery, suicide prevention, Indian Education, sports health (physical therapy and nutrition), dermatology and breast health. Essentia offered free blood pressure screenings and the opportunity to schedule mammograms.

Indigenous traditions like dancing, drumming, singing and the craft of beading were also on display.

"YESS and Essentia have a shared goal: bringing community resources to one localized place and reducing barriers to access for critical services in our community," said Kori Nelson, YESS founder and executive director. "This event enabled the young and the elderly to learn about their friends and neighbors, as well as the resources they can utilize in times of need, or if they know someone who may benefit from them. The event was well-attended, and we received a lot of great feedback!"

There was no cost to attend the fair, which also featured prize giveaways and free food including wild rice soup made with locally sourced rice.