On Thursday, April 17, hundreds of people will get healthier. Catalina Island Medical Center's popular Catalina Health Fair will take over the Casino Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering low-cost medical screenings and information about health issues.

"It's interesting that every year there seems to be a different flavor to the health fair," said Health Fair Coordinator Dawn Sampson. "This year there are many providers from Los Angeles County."

In addition to HIV testing and STD information, Los Angeles County will also provide information about tuberculosis and representatives from the Los Angeles County Women's Clinic.

Los Angeles County won't be the only one with a renewed presence at the health fair.

Loma Linda University Medical Center, which has been partnering with CIMC on several telemedicine programs, will be bringing Diabetes Educator Nathan Painter.

"We will soon be working with Loma Linda to bring diabetes education to the island," Sampson said. "It's great that Nathan will be at the health fair to meet community members and get to the know Avalon a little better."

Catalina Island Medical Center will also kick off its latest community outreach program at the health fair. The Catalina Cholesterol Challenge will place the emphasis on diet and exercise as effective ways to lower cholesterol.

"We're partnering with local businesses and organizations and bringing better health to the community," said Catalina Island Medical Center CEO Bryan Ballard. "The Catalina Cholesterol Challenge will give island residents the opportunity to take better care of themselves."

A key partner for the Catalina Cholesterol Challenge will be the Catalina Island Country Club, which will be providing a series of events to emphasis gastronomical pleasures of low-cholesterol eating.

The Health Fair will also feature the low-cost health screenings that have made the event so popular. They include diabetes screening, pulmonary function tests, osteoporosis testing and several low cost blood tests.

For more information about the health fair or to donate or volunteer in support of it, contact Sampson at (310) 510-0520.