The mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, and the Councilor for Health, Irene Celdrán, inaugurated this edition, which includes information stands, health education activities, school visits, and vaccination points against the flu and COVID-19. The ‘III Conference on Palliative Care’ and the ‘II Health Heroes Gala’ are also being held.
The mayor emphasized the importance of promoting initiatives to improve public information on health, disease prevention, and the adoption of healthy habits. Vegara highlighted that the fair is an opportunity to learn about the work of associations and health professionals, and to access useful recommendations for daily life. “Health is fundamental,” he stated, stressing that visiting the stands allows people to learn how to prevent diseases and understand measures that promote well-being.
Emphasis was placed on the participation of entities offering prevention, care, and support resources, as well as the opportunity to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. The mayor also highlighted the importance of health education for children through school visits, stating that “giving children all the guidance they need to develop good habits from a young age is fundamental”.
The Councilor for Health, Irene Celdrán, expressed her satisfaction with the fair's celebration, which turns La Lonja into a meeting point for citizens, professionals, and associations. “Once again, we are bringing health to the streets,” she noted, highlighting the effort to bring together entities and facilitate residents' access to services.
A new feature this edition is the 'Health Passport,' a proposal to encourage visitor participation. Those who complete the passport with stamps from participating entities can deposit it in a ballot box for a chance to win a gift basket. This initiative aims for attendees to learn about the organizations' work and available resources.
Vaccination points against the flu and COVID-19 have also been set up, where citizens can attend with their health card. The mayor highlighted the importance of this preventive measure, while the councilor encouraged people to take advantage of the event to get vaccinated.
The fair is supported by numerous organizations, including the Red Cross, the Spanish Association Against Cancer, the ONCE, Más Vida, Renacer, ADOC, AFA Miguel Hernández, ADIEM, ACECOVA, the Community Prevention Unit for Addictive Behaviors (UPCCA), Public Health, the Vega Baja Hospital, and the health centers of Orihuela.
The presence of schoolchildren is another highlight, with visits from educational centers to familiarize them with healthcare activities and acquire knowledge about prevention. Activities are included to introduce schoolchildren to the work of emergency professionals, such as the presence of a medicalized SAMU ambulance.
The program continues today at 7:00 PM with the ‘III Conference on Palliative Care,’ which will include the screening of a documentary and the participation of Dr. José Manuel Murcia Zaragoza. The aim is to address the human dimension of healthcare and raise awareness about palliative care.
Tomorrow, Friday, October 23, the fair will open its stands from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with activities including a fall prevention workshop at 11:00 AM. The program will conclude at 7:30 PM with the ‘II Health Heroes Gala of Orihuela,’ recognizing eight individuals, teams, and entities for their dedication.
Councilor Irene Celdrán emphasized the special significance of this gala, conceived as an expression of gratitude to those who work for the care of others, stating, “I believe that our healthcare professionals, our patients, must be accompanied and told that thank you.”
