Holiday Market and Health Fair Brings Resources to Hazard Residents

Holiday spirit and practical services came together at the ARH Medical Mall in Hazard on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, when local vendors and service organizations hosted a combined market and health fair. The event drew small businesses selling jewelry, holiday decor, baked goods and other crafts, while Appalachian Regional Healthcare provided free health screenings and wellness resources on site.

Organizers and participants said the gathering served a dual purpose. For makers and small business owners the market offered seasonal sales and direct contact with customers at a time when holiday revenue can be important for household and business budgets. For residents the health screenings lowered barriers to basic preventive care and offered an easy way to connect with local providers without a clinic appointment.

Several nonprofit and treatment organizations used the event to share information about programs and referrals. Coty Sparks, community liaison for New Vision Recovery Center, represented the center and emphasized available treatment options. “We are a men’s treatment facility out of West Liberty. We are a 30 day, 60 day, 90 day, and a 6 month program, DOC approved. If there are any males seeking treatment, we are here to help them. They are not just another number to us. We really care about these people and want to see them get better,” Sparks said. Sparks described being at the event as a blessing and said outreach like this helps residents learn what services are available.

The combination of commerce and care reflects a broader local need for accessible services and economic support. In rural communities such as Perry County, community gatherings often serve as important touch points for health education and social services outreach. Free screenings can identify untreated conditions early, and on the economic side direct sales at markets help retain spending in the local economy.

As residents navigate holiday expenses and winter health risks, events that pair economic opportunity with preventive care and treatment information offer practical value. The ARH Medical Mall event provided an immediate boost to small sellers and a tangible pathway for residents seeking health screenings or substance use treatment referrals, reinforcing the role of community hubs in connecting people to services.