Community Health Fair returns to Sanders County

Health officials from across Sanders County gathered for the second annual Community Health Fair, held at the Plains School District gymnasium. The event featured nearly 20 booths, each highlighting a different aspect of healthcare and preventative medicine available in Sanders County. 

Clark Fork Valley Hospital played a key role in the fair, showcasing several of their departments, including surgical, respiratory, imaging, extended care and laboratory services. Special thanks were extended to the Clark Fork Enrichment Corporation for their generous financial support which helped make the event possible. 

Tracy Bebb and Kay Nygaarg from Clark Fork Valley Hospice were on hand to answer questions about end-of-life care in the community. Nygaarg, a dedicated volunteer for over 30 years, shared her extensive knowledge and experience in hospice care. 

“I certainly believe in the Hospices philosophy, which is the right to die with dignity, the right to die at home with family and with the help of the Hospice organization,” Nygaarg said. 

Imaging Department Manager Matt Bishop was present to showcase the state-of-the-art equipment available at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. With 32 years of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the department.

“Keep in mind that they (public) won’t do any better going to Missoula or Kalispell,” Bishop stated. 

Clark Fork Valley Hospital Respiratory Therapist Austin Turner discussed the various treatments available in his department and highlighted the dangers of vaping, particularly among youth.

“Vaping is passed off, most of the time, as a healthy alternative to smoking, and it is not, It actually much worse. It causes what is called popcorn lung. I have worked with teenagers (in Sanders County) that have needed lung transplants,” he said. "Vaping is much higher (more popular) than smoking, just because it’s flavored. Kids are targeted.”  

Rebecca Fields, the owner of Warrior Fitness, was available to discuss the wide variety of classes offered at her gym. One notable success story from Warrior Fitness is Rashell Jones, a dedicated member who has made remarkable progress. Jones, a regular cast member with the Paradise Players, shared her inspiring journey. 

“I joined Becky’s gym when she opened in January 2024, just wanting to overall get in better shape. It is a good place to focus on self. No one there is judgmental,” Jones stated. 

The gym offers classes in Yoga, Zumba, Spin, Strength, and Trampoline training. 

This year’s event saw around 180 attendees at the fair. 

    Clark Fork Valley Hospital staff member Julie Smith checks the blood pressure of Plains School student Lydia Sherwood. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Austin Tuner, a respiratory therapist for the Clark Fork Valley Hospital, shows the devastating effects of vaping on a youth's lungs. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Local dentist Dr. Blake Sherwood and Dana Sherwood show off their extra-large toothbrush called The BRUSHINATOR. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)