VINTON — The Vinton-Shellsburg High School was the place to be in Vinton on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The Benton County Health & Wellness Fair was set up in the high school gym, and for the third year in a row, the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast was happening in the cafeteria. Some attendees mentioned that they enjoyed having both events to attend on the same day.
Once again this year, the Health & Wellness Fair brought together dozens of local and regional organizations who offered information, resources, and services focused on physical, mental, and community well-being.
The event was free and individuals and families had the chance to participate in several health screenings and learn about prevention programs, support services, and educational opportunities, as well.
There was plenty of fun at the fair, too, including free face painting and lots of giveaways at most of the booths.
Exhibitors included healthcare providers, mental health and substance use prevention groups, senior services, community arts, emergency responders, educational institutions, public health agencies, and community support organizations.
Attendees had the chance to visit with representatives from Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics, LifeServe Blood Center (blood-typing), Benton County Public Health, Disaster Recovery Coalition (disaster readiness bags), SHIIP, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, UnityPoint Health services, Eagle View Behavioral Health, Crisis Canines of the Midlands – Sunnie, local law enforcement and fire departments, hospice and home health providers, universities, and many more.
“The Benton County Health & Wellness Fair is about connecting people with the resources that help them live healthier, safer, and more informed lives,” said VGH Foundation Director Robin Martin. “Partnering with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast makes this a true community event, families can enjoy a great meal supporting Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast while also taking steps toward better health.”
List of Exhibitors:
Hosted by Virginia Gay Hospital (Imaging, Home Health, Lab Services, Therapy Services, Clinics, Reach Out & Read, Respiratory Therapy & More!) and Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, NAMI Linn County, Vinton Public Library, Foundation 2 Crisis Services, United Way of East Central Iowa / Benton County Volunteer Center, Benton County Historical Society, SHIIP, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, Vinton Police Department, Linn County Ryan White Program, Horst Physical Therapy, Home Instead, EchoVision, Inc/Us Cellular, Dr. Marcie McKenna, practicing at Wicks Chiropractic, Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Stark Strength, Upper Iowa University, University of Dubuque-Cedar Rapids, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Hy-Vee Pharmacy/ Vinton Dollar Fresh Market, HACAP, Benton County Public Health Department, Essence of Life Hospice, Van Steenhuyse — Teahen Funeral Home, Linn County Public Health — Assessment and Health Promotion, LifeServe Blood Center, Eagle View Behavioral Health, Betterton Chiropractic Chartwells/V-S Food Service, Chances, North Benton Ambulance & Crisis Canines of the Midlands, Vinton Fire Department, UnityPoint Health — LifeGuard Air Ambulance, Safe Sleep Task Force, UnityPoint Health — AbbeHealth Services, Area Substance Abuse Council, Windsor Manor, Wellpoint, Vinton Lions Club – KidSight, Parent Partners, Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition, Benton County Environmental Health, Chains Interrupted, CR Facepainting, Lutheran Living Communities.
