It started with a small group of parents who wanted to arm themselves with information to improve the health of their families. After contacting several agencies, the parents -- with the help of Sallie Ayala-Perez -- took an additional step. They asked if all the health care providers could come together in one spot to disseminate their information. They did. And 300 people showed up.

That event has evolved into one of the area's largest free health fairs. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Hispanic Leadership Council's Community Health Education Faire.

This year's fair will be June 28, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hanshaw Middle School, 1725 Las Vegas Ave., Modesto.

Doctors, nurses, dentists, nutrition and diabetes counselors and others will provide health screenings and immunizations for people who don't have health insurance or regular access to medical care.

The fair is open to everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, without health insurance.

"It's not primary care, but screenings for common problems so people can improve their health and avoid illness," said fair spokesman Dr. Alvaro Garza, Stanislaus County public health officer.

Blood pressure, cholesterol, dental, diabetes, anemia, vision, hearing, mammography and chiropractic are among the screenings to be offered.

Health care providers also will distribute information on diet, prenatal care, substance abuse, cancer and self-examinations.

Immunizations will be provided. Parents must take their child's records for updating.

For many residents, the health fair is the only time they see a doctor during the year. More than 10,000 people have been assisted since the fair's inception. About 800 people attended last year's event.

Organizers have expanded the scope of services offered over the years. One thing that hasn't changed is the need for volunteers, particularly people with medical training.

"We're lacking licensed providers -- general practice doctors, pediatricians and dental providers," volunteer coordinator Clara Saenz said. "We'll probably need twice as many medical providers than last year because (the fair) has been broadly advertised."

Organizers are distributing fliers to schools and businesses and advertising in foreign language newspapers and on radio and local-access cable television stations.

Twenty of last year's 200 volunteers were licensed medical providers.

"We're in dire need of getting the doctors to offer their services," Saenz said. "And we're running out of time."

Health care providers must submit registration forms and copies of their licenses.

Volunteer orientation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 26 at Hanshaw Middle School.

"I've had families come back year after year to get physical exams for their children," Ayala-Perez said. "We've also had families say they were able to get other help. The response has been great.

Agencies wanting to participate or set up information booths should call 549-7884. Volunteers are asked to call 558-6824.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.