County Councilwoman Gretchen Barron aims to help residents take steps toward healthy living through an event focused on improving community wellness.
The inaugural Community Walk and Health Fair will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 4 at W.J. Keenan High School, 361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia. Registration is encouraged but not required and begins at 8 a.m. Attendees can also register online before the event: www.eventbrite.com/e/341896901837.
Health and wellness resources will be highlighted throughout the event, which includes a 2-mile walk, a Zumba session, health screenings, COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, and a blood drive. No additional registration is needed to give blood or get the COVID-19 vaccine. The first 12 people who receive their first vaccine will receive gift cards.
Barron, who represents District 7 in Richland County, said she planned the event with the district in mind, as the 29203 ZIP code has some of the highest health disparities in both the County and the state.
“The negative repercussions of health disparities go beyond an individual and extend to future generations and our community as a whole,” Barron said. “When we address health disparities and health inequalities, we also address the right to access quality health care, fresh fruits and vegetables, affordable housing and livable wages.”
Barron plans to make the walk and health fair an annual event to continue improving health outcomes in the district for years to come.
“I want to create a tradition in District 7 where it’s known on the first Saturday in June that we gather to walk and continue to provide health and wellness opportunities for our community,” Barron said. “I believe this is one small step to working for a healthier Richland County.”
The Community Walk and Health Fair is open to all residents. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, June 25.
Community Walk and Health Fair Schedule
- 7:30 a.m. – Vendor setup
- 8 a.m. – Registration (All attendees are encouraged to register. This will help create a database for future events.)
- 8:30 a.m. – Welcome/acknowledgements
- 8:45 a.m. – Zumba session/warmup
- 9 a.m. – Walk begins (everyone can participate)
- 10 a.m.-noon – Health fair
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