In the News: Student's free health fair finally unveiled

Two weeks after the start of school, Jose Antonio Saavedra is almost done with his senior project. It involves 28 health-related organizations and 80 volunteers, including two who will be waving signs today on Highway 99W, directing people to a free Community Health Fair at Newberg High School.

Saavedra has spent eight months planning and organizing the fair. Partnering with the Virginia Garcia clinic in McMinnville, he arranged screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) will provide dental screenings and care. A chiropractor will offer five-minute manipulations.

Saavedra advertised the fair through an interview on the La Pantera radio station, as well as an interview with Delia Hernandez on KUNP Unavision in Portland. He sent flyers to churches, posted information on the school district’s website and personally called parents connected to the migrant education school.

   Although Saavedra has targeted much of his outreach toward the Latino community and will have assistance available for Spanish speakers, the fair is open to all.

Newberg public-safety personnel will have a fire truck and police car on hand for children to explore.

“I wanted to get done with the senior project as soon as possible,” said Saavedra, who didn’t want extra pressure during the school year when he would be applying for colleges and scholarships.

The fair is just the first of Saavedra’s big plans. He wants to go to college, then medical school, perhaps become a surgeon, or maybe a business executive, and ultimately run for office, like Gov. John Kitzhaber.

“I met the two senators (Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley) 10 weeks ago in (Washington) D.C. That was great,” he said.

But Saturday, he’d like to start with a good turnout at the health fair. “It all depends on the community — if they show up or not,” he said.

The fair runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the commons area of Newberg High School, 2240 Douglas Ave. Once drivers reach the school, volunteers will direct them to the commons. For more information, call Saavedra at 503-708-7681 or go to the Newberg School District website and search for “Community Health Fair.”

By Jill Smith, Newberg Graphic