The status of health fairs: perspectives from the health education profession.

This study examined the current status of health fairs throughout the United States. Surveys were sent to all program heads of University Health Education Departments identified in the Eta Sigma Gamma Directory 1985. Information such as number of participating agencies, location of health fairs, and the goals of the health fairs was requested. The results identified 89 health fairs. The majority were held in shopping malls (57%), with schools hosting approximately 21%. The average number of participants consisted of 31 agencies, and the average number of individuals from the community attending the fair was 3000. The average length of health fairs was 1.5 days, with over 88% of identified fairs being held annually. Providing accurate health information and health screenings were ranked as the most important goals for health fairs. Health educators need to become involved with health fairs if such goals are to be realized.