Blood screening to be offered

Claude Elswick watched multiple blood samples rotate in a chemistry analyzer in Roosevelt General Hospital's laboratory.

The lab technician says the machine can conduct up to 50 tests such as sugar levels and heart enzymes at one time. He credits the machine as a huge help in preparing for Saturday's health fair because of the high volume the lab has experienced this week.

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

Eastern New Mexico University student Leon Mendoza gets his blood drawn Wednesday at the Roosevelt General Hospital's laboratory by phlebotomist Lee Hill. Hill said they have received a high volume of patients this week in preparing for their health fair Saturday.

"The primary way for diagnosing a heart attack is to test on that instrument," Elswick said.

RGH's is offering a blood screening panel at Saturday's second annual health fair that includes 17 tests for $35, what lab technicians are saying is a $1,200 value. This service, which has been offered all week, is one of many offered at the fair.

Laboratory Director Joan Hanff said their laboratory has been extremely busy serving those taking advantage of the deal this week.

"We drop the prices for the community, we're here for them," Hanff said. "Our team is excited."

Hanff said the number of people they predict to serve this year is much larger than the number they served at last year's fair.

"We saw about 40 people last year, we did that number on the first day," Hanff said.

She said she hopes to see a large number of people attend because she wants people to be in control of their own wellness.

The RGH Trauma Team and Injury Prevention Program is teaming up with local law enforcement to provide a car seat clinic as well as bicycle safety station.

Wendi Smith, trauma coordinator, said they will be checking car seats parents bring in to make sure it is functional and appropriate for their child.

Smith said they plan replace problematic seats for free and they will also be showing parents how to properly install them.

John Bridges with safety and emergency preparedness said they will be fitting children for helmets, elbow and knee pads for free to encourage bicycle safety.

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

Roosevelt General Hospital Laboratory Technician Claude Elswick looks at blood samples in a chemistry analyzer, a medical instrument that conducts multiple tests at once.

Bridges added they will also give away two bikes for a boy and a girl in a drawing.

"We see a lot of skateboard and bicycle related injuries yearly," Smith said. "This was important to bring to the area."

RGH will also host an RGH Clinic open house during the fair.

"We are so excited to be able to showcase the expansion and allow the community a chance to tour the improved facilities," said RGH Spokeswoman Amber Hamilton. "It's also a great opportunity for area residents to take advantage of the free preventative screenings, educational seminars, and reduced-cost blood screening panel. Prevention and early detection are both key to maintaining a healthy life."