Check up on your health, do a little networking and discover local businesses this Saturday, April 30, during the 5th Annual Business & Health Expo. Organized by Donnetta Carter (pictured, left), this health event is geared towards recognizing the importance of health throughout the community.
This week, we caught up with Carter to get a better look at what to expect at this year’s expo.
TCP: What’s your inspiration for this event?
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Donnetta Carter: As a social worker in the community, I’ve seen a need for this type of event. I feel that advocates need to reach out to individuals and meet them where they are. To do so, several free health services provided by our sponsors will be offered, including free health screenings. I want to see the community take advantage of these types of services, especially during the month of April, which is nationally-known as Minority Health Month.
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This is the fifth year. How has it grown since the beginning?
As a small business owner, and an independent travel agent (Adventurous Travels), I know that there are hundreds of small business owners in Northwestern Ohio and surrounding areas. These entrepreneurs would like people to know that they are available and ready to do business. This has been the fifth year for the Expo, and each year it has grown tremendously. There are over 40 vendors on a waiting list this year, and 25 from the previous year.
What should people expect at the expo?
Guests can take advantage of free health screenings from our dynamic sponsors, including Mercy Health Partners, the Lucas County Health Department. There will also be HIV testing from The University of Toledo – Ryan White Program, complimentary chair massages from The Healing Arts Institute of Perrysburg, information from the Area Office on Aging, and representatives from the National Youth Advocate Program, Humana Insurance, Paramount and Molina Healthcare. Of course, there will also be a lot of entrepreneurs with goods and services for sale.
Is there anything else people should know?
Without the community support and interest this could not have taken place. Due to the overwhelming response, there is another EXPO scheduled for August 28, from noon-6pm at St. Clements Hall (2990 Tremainsville Rd.).
10am-4pm, Saturday, April 30. The Stephenson-Roberts Fellowship Hall, 640 Indiana Ave.
For more information, contact Ms. Donnetta Carter, Event Planner/Organizer at 419-367-9765, via email [email protected], or follow Carter on Facebook under "The Social Butterfly – Donnetta Carter" for upcoming events.
Sponsored by Mercy Health Partners, Lucas County Health Department, University of Toledo’s Ryan White Program, Paramount, Molina Healthcare, the Toledo Convention & Visitor Bureau, The Truth newspaper and the Glass City Grind.
