The VI Health Fair and the II Heroes of Health Gala, to be held at the La Lonja Auditorium in Orihuela on October 22nd and 23rd, will bring together health professionals, associations, care entities, and citizens. The aim is to promote prevention, health education, and recognize the dedication of those who care for others.
The Councilor for Health, Irene Celdrán, highlighted that both initiatives aim to place health and people at the center, transforming La Lonja into a space open to citizen participation. The fair seeks to bring municipal health resources closer to the public and serve as a meeting point for professionals, associations, and the population, emphasizing a broad view of health that includes prevention and social support.
The fair will feature participation from entities such as Cruz Roja, the Spanish Association Against Cancer, the ONCE, Más Vida, Renacer, ADOC, AFA Miguel Hernández, ADIEM, ACECOVA, the UPCCA, Public Health, the Vega Baja Hospital, and the city's two health centers. Information will be provided, doubts resolved, and healthy lifestyle habits promoted.
As a new feature, flu vaccination points will be available at the venue, coordinated by health centers and the Vega Baja Hospital. Additionally, attendees can visit a mobile SAMU ambulance to learn about its equipment and the work of emergency professionals, with a special focus on schoolchildren.
The III Palliative Care Conference will also be held, focusing on humanity, dignity, and respect for individuals in delicate situations. These conferences underscore the importance of accompaniment and pain relief, recognizing the work of professionals in this field.
On Friday, October 23rd, the fair will include a fall prevention workshop at 11:00 AM, aimed at raising awareness about safety, particularly for the elderly. In the afternoon, the II Heroes of Health Gala (7:30 PM) will take place, honoring eight individuals, teams, and institutions for their dedication to healthcare.
Among the honorees are Anabel Fuentes (Best Professional of the Year), Manuel Sánchez Cánovas (Most Innovative Research), the Orihuela Public Health Team (Health Team of the Year), the Orihuela Costa Health Center (Best Community Service), Dr. José Manuel Murcia Zaragoza (Professional Career), Carmen Deves (Exemplary Patient), Laura Párraga (Health Vocation), and the Vega Baja Hospital (Special Recognition).
The councilor emphasized that the gala aims to express society's gratitude to those who work for the well-being of others, highlighting that true heroes are often close individuals who care, research, prevent, and listen. The gala intends to give a name and face to this often discreet dedication.
The Health Fair also introduces the Health Passport, an initiative to encourage visitor participation at all booths, which can be exchanged for a gift basket. The councilor invited residents to attend these events, celebrating prevention, health resources, and the human dimension of healthcare.
