Chillicothe, OH – The Ross County Health District (RCHD) welcomed the community to its first-ever Family Health Fair on Saturday, August 23, 2025, filling the Ross County Service Center with activities, resources, and health education under the theme, “Driven by Hope, United by Health.”
The event drew 141 registered adults, dozens of children, and hundreds of visitors overall, doubling the organizers’ expectations. Families enjoyed face painting, balloon creations, caricatures, raffle prizes, and refreshments—including 410 hot dogs, nearly 300 cookies, and 288 servings of chips.
Local organizations joined RCHD to provide information and resources, including Another Chance Ministries, Hope Partnership Project, Hopewell Health, Ross County Community Action, Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Chillicothe, and more. RCHD staff also hosted resource tables covering environmental health, family health, public nursing, health promotion, and quality improvement programs.
Among the highlights:
- Environmental Health Division provided mosquito repellent wipes, tick-removal tools, and a mosquito-themed game that delighted children.
- Child & Family Health Division offered car seat safety checks and hands-on activities like a physical activity wheel.
- Public Health Nursing Division shared disease prevention resources, hygiene kits, and door prizes.
- WIC staff hosted nutrition quizzes and shared breastfeeding and toddler nutrition education.
- Health Promotion Division offered naloxone kits, safe medication disposal guidance, and “Hidden in Plain Sight”—an interactive mock teen bedroom designed to help parents recognize signs of substance use.
Outside, families explored a bounce house and a Touch-a-Truck event featuring vehicles from the Chillicothe Fire Department, Chillicothe Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Chillicothe Public Library’s “Bee Bookmobile,” and RCHD’s mobile medical unit.
RCHD staff say the inaugural fair was a clear success and already have plans underway to expand next year’s event.
