KIMBALL -- Kimball’s new hospital will be the site of the Kimball Community Health Fair this Friday and Saturday.

A cooperative effort between Kimball Health Services and Wyoming Health Fairs, the health fair offers low-cost blood testing and free vital sign testing as a community service to help residents identify health problems before they become life-threatening. The event runs from 7 - 11 a.m. both days. 

Appointments are highly recommended but are not required, said Kerry Ferguson, director of Community Relations and Foundation at KHS.   

“The appointments are a good tool for spreading out the line so there’s minimal waiting for everyone,” Ferguson said.  Appointments are available by calling 800-979-3711 or online at https://whf.as.me/kimballne 

Participants should enter the main entrance on the south end of the new hospital. Registration will be in the lobby and blood testing will be held in the hospital board room. Parking will be available along the west side of the building and in the east side parking lot. Refreshments will be available in the hospital cafeteria.  

Blood screenings to be offered include the full blood chemistry profile for $50.?The profile is a full 33-level screening for heart, kidney and liver functions, lipid functions with cholesterol, protein, iron, glucose and thyroid levels.?  

“This test requires fasting for 12 hours, unless you're diabetic,” said Pennie Anderson, KHS community health nurse. “Take medications as usual and be sure to drink plenty of water beforehand.” 

In addition to the full blood chemistry profile, other available tests include a hemogram ($15), which is a complete blood count (CBC) of red and white blood cells and platelets. It also screens for anemia, leukemia and other disorders that affect blood cells.   

Men 50 and older can receive a prostatic specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer for $40.  If there is a family history of cancer, it is recommended at age 40.   

Hemoglobin A1C measures historical blood sugar for up to three months. This test is recommended for diagnosed diabetics or those with a family history of high blood sugar. This test is offered at $35.   

The C-reactive protein (CRP) ($35) test can provide physicians with information about a patient’s risk of heart disease.  

Bone density screenings using Kimball Health Services’ DEXA bone density scanner--used to detect the early stages of osteoporosis—will be available for $50. Free blood pressure testing will also be available.  

Checks should be made out to Wyoming Health Fairs, and credit cards will be accepted. Blood test results are typically available online within three to five business days or mailed within seven to 10 business days.?  

“As a reminder, some insurance companies do not cover lab tests done?through local health fairs,” Anderson said.  “Please contact your insurance carrier directly with any questions.”