by Taryn Brown

Summer means warmer temperatures, vacationing at new and exciting places, being out of school and relaxing by the pool. For some, it also might be the time to try something new like volunteering, learning a new skill or simply spending more time with loved ones. 

Unity Health knows the importance of being part of a community and we want you and your family to make the most of the summer break by participating in a number of activities we offer for all ages in the community each year. 

CAMP

Careers and Medical Professions (CAMP) is a free, five-day program for students entering 11th or 12th grade who are interested in careers in the healthcare field. 

Students have medical-related opportunities, including learning basic nursing skills, CPR and first aid training, touring Unity Health facilities, medical personnel shadowing and mock interviews.

Monday, June 10, – Friday June, 14. CAMP applications for 2020 open in March.

Family Day at the Farmers’ Market

Unity Health is sponsoring another Family Day at the Farmers’ Market in June.

Family Day encourages families to come to the Searcy Certified Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, hand-crafted items, live music and fellowship with the community.

Unity Health will be offering special Farmers’ Market shirts, with all proceeds benefitting the market.

The Searcy Certified Farmers’ Market is 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday from April to November. Saturday, June 15, courthouse square in Downtown Searcy.

Senior Expo

Unity Health sponsors the Three Rivers Edition Senior Expo each year. The expo has a number of booths and vendors, including Unity Health, that are specifically for the seniors in the community. Health screenings and education are provided by Unity Health cardiologists, dieticians and Healthworks associates.

Tuesday, June 18, at the Veterans Park Event Center in Cabot.

A Day of Caring

This year is the 23rd Annual A Day of Caring, a community-wide outreach program to provide a number of medical services, health screenings and other services to the uninsured and underinsured in the Searcy community.

Haircuts, school supplies and personal care items are also provided.

Last year, more than 450 volunteers, Unity Health and local businesses donated time, services and items to help more than 1,300 people in the community.

9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 27, at the Harding University Ganus Athletic Center in Searcy. For more information, call the Unity Health Marketing Department at 501.278.3230 or [email protected].

Unity Health Kids Triathlon

This is the first year for the triathlon hosted along with the Searcy Shark ATAC Swim Team.

Open to kids ages 7 to 16, participants will compete in swimming, biking and running races, and have an opportunity to learn about health, perseverance, dedication and self-esteem.

Register at racesonline.com and search for Unity Health Kids Triathlon.  Saturday, Aug. 24. For more information, call Chad Price at 501.218.1304.

Artist in U

Artist in U is an art works program sponsored by Unity Health – Harris Medical Center, part of Newport’s Downtown Entertainment Series, running May to October.

It allows all ages to participate in art classes. Classes are divided by age and local artists lead painting classes.

Classes are free, but seating is limited. For more information or to register, call 870.523.3618.

First Tuesday, May to October, Newport.

Unity Health Foundation

The Foundation works to provide continuous improvement for the Unity Health system and offers a number of activities and programs to the community throughout the year.

Healthy Women of Unity, a Foundation resource, is working with Women Run Arkansas this year to inspire women to live healthy lives.

For more information on upcoming events or to become a member, contact the Unity Health Foundation at 501.278.3184 or [email protected].

Healthworks/healthyU

The Unity Health Healthworks department provides a number of classes, programs and screenings throughout the year to community members.

healthyU is the associate wellness program led by Judy Glenn, RN to encourage healthy living for Unity Health associates. Recently, healthyU has partnered with the Searcy Athletic Club and Wellspring Spa to provide several classes to both associates and the community.

For more information and dates, call Healthworks at 501.278.8570. Whether this summer brings on adventure or staying close to home, Unity Health hopes you and your loved ones have a wonderful, healthy and fun summer break.