Nearly 400 people were in attendance at the annual Back 2 School Health and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 1st, setting a new attendance record and surpassing last year's event.

Hosted at the Christian County YMCA, the fair helped local families prepare for the upcoming school year by providing free backpacks, school supplies, health screenings, and other resources. Organizers distributed 250 backpacks filled with school supplies, provided 50 free haircuts, and offered 30 vision and hearing screenings for area students.

Families also enjoyed music, games, a fresh produce giveaway, prize drawings, and a free community cookout courtesy of Dinner Seasoned with Love. In all, 27 community organizations and vendors participated, offering health information and free resources.

Jay Boulanger, community health consultant for Taylorville Memorial Hospital (TMH), says organizers were thrilled with this year's turnout and are already planning for continued growth next year. He says the event gave local families a fun opportunity to begin preparing for the new school year.

Christian County YMCA Executive Director Bruce Blanshan says it was rewarding to see families come together and that many students will begin the school year with the supplies, support, and encouragement they need.

Operation Loaded Book Bag also celebrated a milestone. Suzy Traughber says the organization reached more students during this year's event than it had in all its previous 14 years combined.

Planning is already underway for next year's Back 2 School Health and Resource Fair, with organizers inviting additional community partners to become involved.

Pictured Below is TMH president and CEO Aaron Puchbauer Distributing Supplies and Information:

Information on Memorial Health can be found at memorial.health.

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