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"My husband and I attended the 9Health Fair in April of 2004 at the Susan M Duncan YMCA in Arvada. We had gone through most of the stations and were on our way out when we saw the line for skin screenings. It was shorter that usual so we decided to stop and get checked. Thank GOD we did. I was checked by the doctor who noticed a dark freckle on my left arm and a spot on my face; she recommended that both areas be checked by my doctor. I had the freckle on my arm removed and sent off to the lab. It was melanoma! It was .3mm deep so it was caught early. I will have to manage this for the rest of my life but now that I am educated, it will help me through any future incidents. While my doctor had a watch on this freckle, it was the 9Healthfair that recommended further inspection and treatment and may have saved my life. I will always be thankful to the 9Health Fair.”

Cindy G.
9Health Fair participant since 2004

"My mom and I went to the 2006 9Health Fair at Aims Community College in Greeley, CO. I hadn't been feeling well so my sister-in-law urged me to go.We went on a Sunday, and that Tuesday I got a call from a nurse who informed me that my thyroid level was less than .01 and that I needed to contact my doctor. I did so right away and had further tests run. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid and through additional tests, learned that I was suffering from Graves’s disease. Had I not gone to the 9Health Fair, I believe I still would have been seeking help. I am feeling so much better and on the way to recovery. Thank you 9Health Fair staff and volunteers!!!"

Terri Thomas, Loveland CO
9Health Fair participant


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PLANNING for Your School Fair

Any elementary, middle, or high school in the state of Colorado (and bordering cities) may hold a fair. Youth groups or community clubs may also apply. In order to be accepted, each school or group is asked to adhere to the following guidelines:

Application Deadline

The initial deadline for interested schools is May 15th each year. Applications received after this date may be added to a waiting list.

Model Fair (September each year)

  • An event to showcase new and pertinent activities available in the upcoming school year.
  • May be attended by two students and one advisor.
  • School must provide an idea for fair date (or month) at or before the Model Fair.
  • NOTE: If a school cannot attend the Model Fair, a proposed fair date must be submitted by the end of September, and the Activities Contract returned to the 9Health Fair office two months prior to fair date.

Prior to Training Date

  • Plan for a 2-hour training session during school hours approximately one month prior to fair.
  • School must turn in Interactive Displays & Activities Contract Agreement two months prior to proposed fair date indicating which activities are being requested for fair.
  • Advisor and student leaders should review the 9Health Fair manual (provided by 9Health Fair).
  • Student leaders who attended the Model Fair should brief the remaining student leaders about the event, what they learned, and which activities they ordered.
  • Must coordinate with education program director to set up training date and time.

Training at Your School

  • It is the advisor's responsibility to be present during the entire 2-hour training to maintain discipline in the classroom and to understand what plans and preparation are needed before fair date.
  • 10-20 motivated student leaders must attend and it's a good idea for two of them to take notes during the session (please limit number of students at training to 10-20 - if you need more to help run your fair, then allow us to train the smaller group and have those students train the rest at another time).
  • The following must be provided:
    • A room adequate for the number of people attending the training
    • An outlet
    • Chairs and table(s)
  • 9Health Fair staff will bring activities and displays ordered, train students on use of equipment, and review health screening protocols.
  • Blood pressure screening training requires repeated follow-up practice for students with a health care professional (only high schools may offer blood pressure screening).
  • Bring 9Health Fair manuals, enthusiasm, creativity, and energy!

Before Fair

  • Invite approved community organizations to student fair (use Resource Guide in manual).
  • Recruit medical professional(s) to assist students.
  • Solicit food donations for volunteers and student leaders.
  • Solicit prize donations for stations if desired.
  • Create visual aids to accompany activities and displays.

Day of Fair

  • Assign student "ambassadors" to welcome and direct volunteers.
  • Provide adequate adult supervision.
  • Have a professional attitude.
  • Greet student participants and hand out health screening forms.
  • Ensure that a nurse or doctor is available at the "Ask a Health Professional" station.

After Fair

  • Complete the Student Leader and Advisor evaluations and submit to Connie Naumann at the 9Health Fair office. You can use the forms right out of the manual.
  • Clean and return all equipment to the 9Health Fair office at 1139 Delaware Street in Denver (within 10 business days after the fair).
  • Write thank you notes to volunteers and 9Health Fair In the Classroom sponsors as discussed at training.

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