“It’s forty-five minutes just to get to town”, “it’s too expensive”, “I don’t have the means.” These are phrases we hear from East Whatcom residents on a regular basis. Unless you live in the area, you may not be aware of how challenging it can be for some to access basic services.
To remedy this, in 2020, a local advocate named Catherine Mahaffey partnered with the East Whatcom Health Services Coalition (EWHSC) and the East Whatcom Health Fair was born. While the idea was celebrated, sadly Catherine passed away in 2020.
Opportunity Council recognized the need and knew Catherine’s dream had to come to life, so we partnered with local agencies and organizations to make it happen.
Now in its 5th year, we didn’t just meet the goals, we worked even harder by upping advertising, ordering new signage, and as a bonus we were able to display a new banner commemorating Catherine as a centerpiece at the fair’s entrance.
How One Small Team Pulled It Together
Our small team spent months of meticulous planning, meetings, and coordinating with providers and on May 15th and 16th, the East Whatcom Health Fair (formally known as the Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair) came together!
We spent the week leading up to the event preparing the grounds. We cleared out spaces, organized logistics, and secured professional interpreters to ensure that language barriers would not prevent anyone from accessing care.
The Day of We Were Ready to Go!
The event started with rain, but the downpour didn’t stop our staff, volunteers, and partners, we threw on raincoats, hats, and ponchos to get the job done. Even amidst the natural chaos that large events bring, the beautiful layout designed by EWRRC Manager Kelly Vogel, was meticulously pieced together.
By the time the doors opened, the outdoor areas and organizations were ready to go, and sponsors were highlighted in the entry hallway, prepared to serve the attendees.
Nourishment Built with Intention
The main room was filled with tables and providers who had various services available medical guidance, and some amazing swag for participants to take home (which was a HUGE hit).
On Friday, a few favorites like DSHS helped with benefit eligibility, EBT and card services, and navigating resources. Participants were able to receive podiatrist care from Dr. McAllister, a foot and ankle specialist. Dentall provided check-ups and cleanings, and Whatcom Mobile Medicine brought preventive health guidance, physical exams, and more.
Saturday was the main event and Ask-A-Nurse provided A1C and blood pressure screenings, health guidance, and referrals. The Northwest Youth Services Supply Truck distributed water, snacks, and clothing, and East Whatcom’s property was filled with health care providers volunteering their time to help our community.
We were also grateful to have the Whatcom Community College (WCC) team of students come and provide relaxing massages for anyone who needed it.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) totaled the table visits at 109! What’s not to love about that?
What Else Was on the Day’s Agenda?
Despite navigating difficult traffic delays, the team from Common Threads Farm arrived precisely on time to serve a nutritious quinoa health bowl, followed by a delicious strawberry rhubarb crisp with vanilla ice cream. Every bit was made with love, and you could taste it!
The stage was placed beautifully next to the food truck and picnic tables, where the Healing Through Hope: Nooksack Storytellers shared cherished traditional stories for the crowd.
The free face painting and fun activities provided an extra special feature and were a huge hit with the kids (and some adults). As a bonus, our exit table gave people five additional tickets for the option to sign up to win unique prizes, and a grand prize from I’ve Got a Guy Tree Service, the perfect option for our community in the woods.
What’s Next for the Health Fair?
Looking back, the greatest takeaway from this experience was witnessing the connection, and hope that an event like this creates. The Health Fair is highly anticipated as a space where folks know they can get services without worrying about cost or fear of judgment Which is the whole point of community, right? Caring for one another with dignity and respect?
Our survey showed that 76.5 percent of participants said they would be interested in participating in next year’s event, they loved the networking opportunities and felt an overall satisfaction with how it went.
For the 2027 Health Fair, our goals are to expand the event’s presence, continue encouraging local businesses to get involved, improve sponsorship, and find new methods to keep showing up for our neighbors.
At the core, there is a desire to actively dismantle outdated, unhelpful strategies that cause systemic harm because we know that by doing so, we ensure that future generations have the foundation they need to lead with health, strength, and integrity.
None of this is completed alone. The success of 2026 belongs to Catherine’s dream, the dedication of Opportunity Council the EWHSC, the sponsors, organizers, dedicated agencies, volunteers, and the community members who attended. Together, they made the East Whatcom Health Fair possible.
Proving beyond doubt, that great things happen when a community comes together.
