Nearly 10 percent of Avalon's population took advantage of the services offered at the Catalina Island Health Fair. Held in the Casino Ballroom on April 27, the health fair offered free and low-cost health screenings from dozens of mainland and local health-related agencies and companies. The annual event is sponsored by the Catalina Island Medical Center.

"It went really well," said organizer Dawn Sampson. "It was very smooth."

Sampson, who is also a licensed clinical social worker at Catalina Island Medical Center, said the number of participants was about average.

"Although the number of people who attended was about the same as in years past, this year people seemed to take advantage of more of the services that were available," she said.

This year there were approximately 100 volunteers who made the event happen. "We couldn't do it without them," Sampson said. "It's great that there are so many people who are dedicated to making sure our community is healthy."

Several providers were new this year, including a dentist and the CARE program, which funds treatment for substance abuse.

Also new this year was the fact that Catalina Island Medical Center was able to complete all of the laboratory tests in house. "In the past we have had to send out tests to be completed," she said. "This year's test should be available early this month."

Sampson said she was very excited about a potential new development for next year. Employers have expressed an interest in funding their employees' blood tests and paying their time to attend the fair. "In Avalon very few employers offer health insurance for their employees," she said. "This is a way that employers can bridge the gap."

For more information visit www.CatalinaIslandMedicalCenter.org