Uninsured Utahns receive free health services at CARE Fair

SALT LAKE CITY — A biannual visit to the dentist or a regular exam or checkup with a pediatrician or doctor is impossible for many uninsured Utahns.

And that's one reason more than 4,500 people are expected to attend the annual CARE Fair this weekend.

For the past 18 years, the Junior League of Salt Lake City has been assisting Utahns in need of health services by organizing its annual CARE Fair.

"A lot of these people don't have health insurance or can't afford their co-pays," said Kelien Shugart, co-director of the CARE Fair. "We try to alleviate those financial burdens by providing these services."

Services at this weekend's fair include dental care, breast exams, physicals, HIV and STD testing, diabetes and cholesterol testing, immunizations, the donation of free car seats and much more. The event got under way Friday and continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, 1234 S. Main.

Alex Martinez, an immigrant from El Salvador now living in Salt Lake City, said he doesn't know what he and his family would do without the health services they receive annually at the CARE Fair.

"My insurance doesn't help me at all," Martinez said as he waited outside the doors of the dental clinic. "This is something we need, especially Spanish people with low incomes. It's something beautiful and healthy. I love it."

Roughly 2,000 volunteers are giving of their time and medical or dental expertise at the two-day event.

"I see all these ladies and gentlemen here to volunteer," Martinez said. "It's wonderful."

For volunteer Jason Kim, a dentist doing his residency at Veterans Affairs, the CARE Fair is just one way to reach out to those in the community.

"It's a great opportunity to help whoever has dental needs," Kim said. "A lot of these people don't have means to get dental work in a private office. They have things that need to be dealt with quickly."

In addition to the health services given, the CARE Fair also provides an opportunity for uninsured Utahns to receive advice and learn about resources from multiple health agencies willing to assist them.

Agency help and health services aside, all Junior League of Salt Lake City events are organized with a simple goal in mind, said Jen Kelsey, the group's president-elect.

"The main point is to help people in need within the Salt Lake area," Kelsey said.

For more information about the event or the Junior League of Salt Lake City, visit www.jlslc.org or call 801-355-1868.

e-mail: danng@desnews.com