SEBASTIAN — For a few hours this weekend LaPorte Farms had more on display than horses, pigs, birds and monkeys. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department set up booths along the farm’s path, offering up valuable health and safety information.
Several dozen people came out to the farm on Saturday, braving the heat and potential rain to get screened for various ailments and learn about how they can keep themselves and their families safe.
“My sugar’s good,” said nearby resident Gayle Heinbockel, who brought her family out to LaPorte.
Heinbockel had had her blood tested as part of the event.
Twenty-month-old Lacey and 2-week-old Connor were too young to get much out of the health and safety fair, but Lacey enjoyed watching the residents of the farm.
“She loves the animals,” Heinbockel said.
The fair was the result of a conversation amongst Laura LaPorte, Roberta Barker with the Sheriff’s Office, and John May from the Health Department.
“We need something up here,” LaPorte said, noting that many times, the health and safety fairs are held in central Indian River County.
To help attract people to the fair, LaPorte offered her farm, which usually draws a decent crowd on a regular basis on its own.
“This is so much more than just a health fair,” she said.
Barker said that while attendance was low due to the heat, she was happy with the turnout. The Sheriff’s Office is planning a second fair at the farm on March 29, when the weather should be more to the public’s liking.
John May was on hand to let visitors know the Health Department performs free HIV screenings by appointment at its Gifford clinic.
“It’s important that people know,” May said. “It’s to save your life.”
Anyone wishing to schedule an appointment with May is encouraged to call (772) 794-7477.