Community Health Fair, clothing giveaway slated for Saturday

A local church is closing out Black History Month 2026 with a focus on health/wellness and service to the community.

First Baptist Church-Cordell will be hosting a Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday in the Fellowship Hall of the church, 620 Cordell Ave.

A clothing giveaway is also planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the same day in First Baptist’s Family Life Development Center, which is across the street from the church.

The activities are free and open to the public. A light lunch will be served during the health fair.

Healthcare professionals and representatives from healthcare facilities in the area will be on hand to provide a range of health screenings and information and promote awareness about healthy lifestyles, preventive care and healthcare services that are available in South Arkansas.

Participants include South Arkansas Regional Hospital; CARTI El Dorado; nurse practitioner Lashonda Foreman, of Wellness Clinic and healthcare Consulting, PLLC, in Camden; and the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, whose “goal is to a catalyst in bridging the gap in the health status of the minority population and that of the majority population in Arkansas.”

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the Access for Life initiative, which calls for a 1/2%, city sales tax to support operations for South Arkansas Regional.

The measure is on the ballot in a special election that is being held in conjunction with the Preferential Primary Election.

Early voting is underway in Union County for both elections. Election Day is March 3.

The special election for Access for Life is open only to El Dorado voters.

If the tax is approved, it is projected to generate approximately $3 million per year and would be used for facility maintenance, improvements, renovations, expansions and equipment upgrades for SARH.

Janis Van Hook, a member of First Baptist Church – Cordell, said organizers decided to incorporate a health fair into the church’s Black History Month celebrations to encourage members of the black community to take a proactive approach in maintaining their mental and physical well-being, including routine medical check-ups, healthy-living choices, etc.

“So many Black people don’t have a (primary care physician), they don’t get their blood pressure checked and things like that,” Van Hook said.

“So (the Rev. Pierce Moore, pastor of First Baptist) thought it would be a good idea to put on a health fair because people may feel more comfortable in that kind of an environment,” she further explained.

Several vendors will also be on site for the day.

They include Cassie’s Creations, Jewels and Things by Toni, Kreations by Kim, Puzzles by PJ and Yes We Can.

Clothing giveaway

Organizers will also be distributing free clothes to the community in the church’s Family Life Development Center.

The church will give away new and gently worn clothes, shoes and hats for men, women and children.

For more information, call First Baptist Church at 870-863-8328.