By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Tulalip’s annual health fair once again brought the community together in the name of wellness, prevention, and togetherness. Starting on the morning of Friday, August 15, and continuing well into the late-summer afternoon, dozens of tribal programs, health professionals, and wellness advocates gathered under the Gathering Hall’s vaulted ceiling to provide resources, screenings, and hands-on activities designed to inspire healthy living.
What made this year’s event stand out was not just the variety of services and activities offered, but the overwhelming display of community participation. Children, parents, and elders alike came out in full force, filling the room with laughter, curiosity, and connection. The health fair has always been about medical check-ups and preventive health measures. But it’s also about caring for the mind, body, and spirit, while honoring the shared responsibility to keep one another healthy.
At its core, wellness is about prevention. Health Clinic staff were intentional about reminding participants that annual screenings can make all the difference when it comes to long-term wellness. Blood draws, finger pricks to check blood sugar levels, and blood pressure tests were available free of charge. For many, these screenings serve as an early warning system, helping to catch potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol before they become more serious.
“Our goal is to make it easy and comfortable for our people to stay on top of their health,” explained Health System deputy administrator Jennie Fryberg. “When you know your numbers, you can take small steps now that can prevent big problems later. That’s why these events are so important.
“There’s that saying, ‘Health is wealth’. That’s so true, especially here in Tulalip where our people are our greatest wealth,” she continued. “We want our children to grow up healthy, our adults to thrive, and our elders to live long, strong lives. With the outpouring of participation we’ve had we’re today, you could see and feel how the health fair brings us closer to that vision.”
Participants of all ages rolled up their sleeves for finger pricks and blood pressure cuffs, exemplifying Jennie’s sentiment that caring for oneself is an act of community responsibility. Parents encouraged their teens to get screened, while elders proudly modeled the importance of regular check-ups for younger generations.
“I just wanted to see what they had available here,” admitted Sonia Sohappy as she perused the many health fair stations. Her curiosity soon turned to a health-conscious cause as she got two vials of blood drawn for a full health screening. “I haven’t done blood work for a few years and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have it done here. It was super easy and convenient.”
While health screenings provided essential data, the fair also made sure wellness was fun and engaging. Children lit up when they discovered the frisbee golf station, which encouraged movement and outdoor play. With discs flying across the lawn and friendly competition unfolding, it was easy to forget that the activity was really about promoting exercise and physical activity.
Nearby, families visited a booth offering healthy drink alternatives to sugary sodas and energy drinks. Participants sampled fruit-infused sparkling waters and refreshing Kombuchas while learning about the dangers of sugar overload and how small swaps can add up to big health benefits.
“I’m trying to encourage healthy beverage choices by offering samples of low-sugar or no-sugar drink options. We’re realizing that many people aren’t aware of all the options available now. There’s so many brands that offer so many flavors,” said recently recruited member of the Diabetes Prevention crew, Virginia Jones. “By presenting just a sample of the many choices out there, we’re hoping to get adults and children to make the switch from high-sugar loaded drinks, like soda and energy drinks, to a much healthier low-sugar or no-sugar option.”
Virginia was greeted by local community members of all ages who tried a swig or two of her healthy beverage options. Carlotta Davis was blown away by the full flavor profile of a strawberry vanilla Olipop. The prebiotic soda alternative is loaded with plant-based fiber and promotes good digestive health.
Sisters, 10-year-old Udora and 8-year-old Yuliana, eagerly sampled a selection of Waterloo sparkling water flavors. Big sister wasn’t a fan, but that’s ok, just meant more for little sister who finished off her drink and her sister’s. “It’s good. I like it!” chimed young Yuliana while holding out her cup, hoping for a refill.
For those seeking a calmer, more creative activity, flower bouquet and lavender bundle-making stations were a big hit. Elders and adults stood side by side, helping tie blossoms and fragrant herbs into arrangements that could be taken home as natural mood enhancers. This simple activity made wellness about more than numbers on a chart – it’s also about joy, creativity, and finding balance.
What stood out most about this year’s health fair was the intergenerational participation. Grandparents, parents, and children moved together from station to station, modeling what it means to prioritize health as a family and as a community.
That goes for work families, too. Coworkers Ratina Hatch, Rhylee Marchland and Santana Sheldon attended the event after the lunch hour rush. They went from table to table asking questions, gathering info, and taking the necessary steps to fill their complimentary yellow buckets with free merch and essential home aids. When they arrived at the blood pressure check station, the competitive spirit took hold. The question, “who has the lowest blood pressure?” had to be answered so bragging rights could be had.
Rhylee and Santana were confident they had the lowest blood pressure, but were quickly informed that their caffeine-only consumption earlier in the day was a serious detriment in this competition. Both had higher than normal blood pressures (that darn coffee!). Meanwhile, Ratina casually took a seat, had the cuff wrapped around her arm, and breathed with an impressive level of nonchalance. The medical tech informed Ratina that her blood pressure was in the optimum zone.
Bragging rights bestowed, Ratina shared, “It feels amazing to win our lowest blood pressure competition. I knew I was going to win. I’ve always had perfect blood pressure.”
Smiles, laughter, and meaningful conversations filled the Gathering Hall throughout the six-hour event. If there’s any singular takeaway, it’s the gentle reminder to community members that small, consistent actions – like an annual screening or choosing water over soda – are truly impactful forms of self-care.