Kentucky State Fair attendees urged to take advantage of free health screenings

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of people will head to the Kentucky State Fair throughout the week for the food, rides, games and more.

But others are going to check their health—something many prioritize each year when making their plans to attend the 11-day event in Louisville.

While health checks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the fair, stopping by for some free tests could not only save you money, but could also save your life.

Going to the fair is an annual tradition for Sherry Mauser and her sisters. But this year, their plan came with an agreement between them.

"I said one thing we are going to do is we are going to do the health screenings, (because) I have never done it before," said Mauser.

More than a dozen hospitals, clinics and health organizations are set up at the fair this week, most offering free health tests and screenings in a "one-stop shop" when it comes to many routine tests, regardless of insurance coverage.

"If there are women out there who don't have insurance and they need a mammogram, we're doing them here," said Pam Temple, with the Kentucky Cancer Program at UofL Health.

Temple said they perform blood tests to check for prostate cancer, as well as blood pressure checks, and can also send referrals when it comes to colon and lung cancer screenings.

"We get them lined up so they can have it paid for and they can get in to a primary care," she said.

Fairgoers can also get their eyes checked and have a hearing test done, all under one roof.

Walgreens is also on hand, offering a free $20 Kroger gift card to those who get a flu shot. Free RSV and shingles vaccines are also available.

Temple said the Kentucky Cancer Program has screened more than 300 people already at the fair since it opened last Thursday, Aug. 14. Four of those individuals had signs of melanoma.

Mauser said her mammogram took just over 10 minutes, and that the health screenings will now be part of her fair experience going forward.

"Always take advantage of free health screenings, always," she said. "Sometimes when you get symptoms, it's too late. It's there, so it doesn't hurt to take a few minutes and check."

The Red Cross is also set up at the fair for those who want to donate blood. Provider health screenings listed below will be available at the fair through Sunday.

Skin Cancer Screenings

The Kentucky Cancer Program and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky are partnering to offer free skin cancer screenings to fair attendees for the full duration of the fair, from Aug. 14-24. Look for the booth in South Wing B.

UofL Health Screenings

Mammogram Screenings, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hands-only CPR demos, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Blood pressure screenings, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
UofL Health – Research, UofL School of Medicine; InBody composition scale screenings
UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center resources and information; sign-ups for lung and colorectal cancer screenings
UofL Health – Access Center – primary care provider sign ups

Other Offerings Scheduled: