NEESES -- Fourteen different agencies and organizations are joining together to present a Health and Community Services Fair from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 23, at Neeses Town Hall. The fair is sponsored by the town of Neeses and the Pee Dee Indian Nation.

Elizabeth Skyye Vereen, chief of the PDIN, said the event will provide information about many of the programs and services available to citizens at one location.

"The overall goal of hosting health fairs is to help improve the quality of life in the rural communities by increasing awareness of health issues, and promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent disability and disease," she said.

In addition to health education with a concentration on diabetes, nutrition and exercise, the Regional Medical Center will offer free cholesterol and glucose screenings and blood pressure checks. Screening participants are reminded to fast.

In addition to the RMC, participants include Clemson Extension Service, Helping Hands Outreach Ministry, Hospice Care of Tri-County, the South Carolina Kidney Foundation, Veteran's Services, Child Evangelism Fellowship, dentist Dr. Craig Draffin, Compassion In Action, Citizens Against Sexual Assault, victims' advocates from the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, Neeses Volunteer Fire Department, R&J Drugs and Affordable In-Home Care.

Putting people in touch with agencies that can help them during and after a crisis, as well as focusing on improving overall health, will fill a great need in Western Orangeburg County, Vereen said.

"We urge people to attend," she said. "We have a wealth of free information to distribute along with door prizes, and our vendors would like to extend a helping hand to those in need of assistance."

For more information, call 803-247-5811. The town hall is at 6357 Savannah Highway in Neeses.

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