Health expo focusing on prevention

• Published date: 20 January 2023
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

There will be a wide range of health agencies and services at the expo, including the Heart Foundation, Sport Waitaki and Triton Hearing

Alongside these, there will also be both COVID-19 and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations available.

To make the day fun, there will be games and activities for children, as well as face painting and a bouncy castle.

Spot prizes will also be given away on the day.

The event will help not only the Pasifika community, but the entire Waitaki District get in touch with health services, OPICG general manager Hana Halalele said.

‘‘It’s just a pretty cool way to engage and connect our community with health services.

‘‘Our focus is on the Pacific [community], but it is totally open for anybody.’’

OPICG COVID-19 lead navigator Jane Taafaki said making more people aware of what was available was important, especially in smaller communities.

‘‘Being in rural Otago, sometimes people don’t know what’s available or don’t know where to find it. And so, we’re really trying to bring the information and bring the services to people.’’

The group wanted to make sure people were well...