Each year, the Catalina Health Fair fills the Casino Ballroom with health care providers, volunteers and local residents. Free screenings, health information and low-cost health tests provide care to hundreds of individuals.

"The health fair is only possible because so many people come forward to support it," said organizer Dawn Sampson. "We rely on dozens of volunteers as well as contributions from both businesses and individuals."

Donations are used to pay for a range of needs for the health fair. Volunteers, who frequently work the entire day, are given lunch, and mainland providers and volunteers are given transportation, half of which is donated. Testing equipment, such as glucosometers, cholesticks, and spirometers also require supplies to test glucose levels, cholesterol levels and pulmonary function, respectively.

"In the past the Catalina business community has been very generous in supporting the health fair," Sampson said. "We're hoping that this year will be no exception."

Private individuals who care about the health of their community have also donated the past. "The health fair reaches hundreds of people," Sampson said. "Many of them don't have health insurance and this is their only opportunity for preventative health care."

Donations for the health fair may be sent to the Catalina Island Medical Center, P.O. Box 1563, Avalon CA 90704. Please note "health fair donation" on the memo line. 

For more information about donating services, time or funds to the health fair, call Dawn Sampson at (310) 510-0520.

For more information visit www.CatalinaIslandMedicalCenter.org