La Casa celebrates national health center week

STAFF WRITER

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link Staff photo: Rae Arnett

Children at the La Casa Health Fair line up to play Angry Birds at a booth on Wednesday afternoon.

The La Casa Health Fair was in full swing Wednesday afternoon. The health fair has been held in Portales for the past 12 years according to La Casa CEO Seferino Montano.

“It is a way of getting the community out and getting the community and children screened,” said Montano.

This year marks the 50th anniversary for community health centers in America and March 2016 will mark the 40th anniversary for La Casa according to Montano.

“We provide access (to health care) to anyone regardless of their income... I have had the privilege of being with the organization for most of those (40) years,” said Montano.

The health fair is held to celebrate National Health Center Week but the children are the most important aspect of the health fair according to Montano.

“When the children do the Medical and Dental exam they get a $25 gift card to Payless to get shoes for school... It is great to see the kids have fun and enjoy themselves and win prizes,” said Montano.

Sandra Saldana brought children to the health fair as she usually does every year. She said that learning to keep the children and her home safe are two great aspects of coming.

“Learning to keep the kids and the home safe is very important... we usually come every year,” said Saldana.

Erin Bright brought children from the Bonem House this year.

“Their favorite part of the health fair is the fireman,” said Bright.

Jessica Ornelas said her favorite part of coming to the health fair was getting her children out of the house. Mimi Rojas, her daughter, said the face painting is her favorite booth.

“The face painting is my favorite. I want a turtle face,” said Rojas.

Amanda Lamb is a former employee of La Casa and a current volunteer for the health fair. She said she wanted to make sure she was available to help with the health fair this year.

“Honestly, I used to work here and I knew they were going to have their health fair and I just wanted to make sure I was available to help... The casual mixed with the health is what makes the health fair so successful,” said Lamb.

The face painting, Angry Birds and the food are favorite booths with the children according to Lamb.

“This is my second or third time helping with the face painting... it’s the most children I’ve seen at once,” said Lamb.