AUGUSTA, Ga. () — A big free health fair is coming back to the CSRA on Saturday, October 11th, at the Bethel Community Church Family Life Center in Augusta. The event will be packed with health screenings, educational classes, free food, clothes, haircuts, and other resources for the whole family.

The fair was created by Michael Jones, inspired by his mother’s journey as a long-term breast cancer survivor. “I wanted to make sure people who don’t have access to what my mother has can get screenings, resources, and early detection,” he said. Attendees will be able to get screenings for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, attend classes led by healthcare professionals, and meet with representatives from organizations like Piedmont, Augusta University, and Augusta Tech.

Volunteers are playing a big role in making the event run smoothly. Bettina Israel, the volunteer coordinator, says community groups and local clubs will help with parking, distributing resources, and greeting attendees. Volunteers are still welcome to sign up.

There will also be fun extras, including free meals from food trucks, clothes and shoes for all ages, free haircuts from the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology, and 300 tote bags sponsored by Oak Street Health, filled with hand sanitizer, COVID kits, and other essentials.

Michael emphasizes the importance of early detection. “If you catch health issues early, you can get the care you need and improve your chances of beating it,” he said.

The free health fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2610 Milledgeville Road, Augusta.