September 12, 2012-Coldwater, Michigan- The Community Health Center of Branch County recently held their 15th annual Community Fest at the CHC Community Care and Conference Center, 370 E. Chicago St., Coldwater, MI 49036 (located behind Pizza Hut) on September 8, 2012 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Community Fest is an annual event that provides participants with information on health and safety. In addition, Community Fest also featured several free health screenings as well as activities for kids.

 Over 400 people came to Community Fest with CHC Dietary serving people lunch in a two hour span. Community Fest featured 47 exhibitors that were on hand to give information on a variety of topics.  Many of the exhibitors had door prizes including the CHC Clinics giving away twelve children bikes. CHC also offered a chance for participants to get health screenings including prostate, cholesterol, vascular, child and adult immunizations, foot checks, peripheral arterial disease, BMI, blood pressure, and pulmonary function tests.  Holicki Optical gave participants free eye exams. For the kids, Steve Franks and John Fulmer, State Farm agents, sponsored and held a bike rodeo that helped kids understand bike safety. With the bike rodeo, Borgess and CHC fitted and gave away bike helmets to children. The Coldwater Fire Department had one of their fire trucks on site and taught kids about the features of the truck and how they help with emergencies.  The Coldwater Fire Department also did a “Jaws of Life” demonstration with a car donated by V.I.P. Auto.  The Quincy Fire Department manned the Smokehouse, which taught kids what to do in case of a fire by simulating a fire in the house.  CHC had a blow-up obstacle course for the kids.   Fitness demonstrations were offered throughout the day.  Community Fest was supported again this year by Borgess.

Health and safety exhibitors are needed every year.  If your organization is interested in participating in the future, please call 517.279.5282 or email at mashauns@chcbc.com.  A letter is sent out annually to those interested in participating.  Remember space is filled on a first come, first serve basis. 

 The Community Health Center of Branch County is a non-profit acute care hospital providing access to safe, comprehensive, high quality healthcare services and accredited by The Joint Commission.  For more information about Community Fest or Happy Heart Run, please call the CHC Marketing Department at 517-279-5282 or visit the CHC website at www.chcbc.com or health website at myhealth.chcbc.com.