Dixie State University students seeking health advice and assistance can find it just around the block.
St. George professionals in various fields placed booths in the Gardner Center Ballroom for the Health and Wellness Fair Sept. 11. Promoting their services to students and locals, these doctors, educators and entrepreneurs painted a picture of the vast amount of services offered near the university.
The fair has become a way to communicate with students who may not know about various health-oriented establishments in town, said Justin Traveller, Advanced Health & Pain Center chiropractic physician. The new connections made during the event can give new experiences to both the participants and students.
“A lot of people say students don’t have any money, and I know that’s very true—having spent a lot of time in school,” he said. “But at the same time, students seem to be really [motivated to stay healthy].”
To broaden the company’s clientele, Traveller offered discounted acupuncture sessions. He said this complements the idea that students make physical health and fitness a priority, so they can benefit from the practice, located at 301 N. 200 East.
Traveller offered promotional offers, and Patricia Wintch, DSU dental hygiene program director, did the same. Saving money was a recurring theme.
Helping young adults with serious conditions is a growing priority in St. George, said Pam Connors, National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwest Utah secretary.
Connors offered students information about mental health-focused gatherings in St. George at the event and said she and husband Wayne Connors, NAMI president, have expanded the organization’s reach since retiring and making the project their main focus.
“We like being here because of the age group because mental illness can strike a lot of people in the 18-to-20-year-old age, so any time we’re invited to get the word out, we’ll be there,” Connors said. “People don’t know about NAMI here although we offer a lot.”
Handing out brochures and fliers with Connors, Linda Timmins, NAMI board member, said an example of students being impacted by mental health organizations in the area are those who have been aided by the mental health court. The court helps find treatment for the mentally ill and keeps them from being incarcerated. Those participating in the Health and Wellness Fair were professionals in numerous fields—some zeroed-in and some broad.
The central point made by the professionals is events like this make a close-knit community even closer, and students and community members in need shouldn’t hesitate to secure help.
“By being able to see what resources are in the community, you aren’t alone,” said Heather Tuttle, LDS Family Services intern counselor.
