Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, in conjunction with First State Bank of Larned, is hosting a Communitywide Health Fair on Friday morning, Nov. 5, from 6:30 to 11 a.m., in the First State Bank lobby and meeting room, 116 West 6th.

Hospital Administrator Matt Heyn said he and the hospital associates are excited about the opportunity to give back to the community by offering selected services at free or reduced cost during the health fair.

"We want to thank this community which has supported us so faithfully during the transition over the last months," he said. "What better way of demonstrating that gratitude than by investing in the health of our citizens?"

The health fair will offer a variety of screenings and educational programs geared to special health interests, including hospital lab tests at reduced rates; last chance flu shots provided by the Pawnee County Health Department; breast health education; posture and balance screening; blood pressure checks; low capacity pulmonary testing; Advanced Directives education; and answers to pharmaceutical questions.

In addition, the hospital auxiliary will offer food and gift items for sale, goody bags and first aid kits, and magnets will be provided free to all participants.

Heyn noted that no registration is required to attend the health fair. "We invite the entire community to drop by and learn more about their own health and the various resources we have available to help them maintain good health," he said. "We look forward to this becoming an annual event that will help build a healthier future for the Larned and Pawnee County area."