A local nonprofit is giving the community a chance for healthier living this month.

The Blind Center of North Carolina is hosting its inaugural Health and Wellness fair, slated for Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Liz Liles, executive director of the Blind Center, said the fair is simply a way to offer the community access to different health vendors, and possibly provide preventative measures for those in the community who may be at risk for blindness.

“We don’t have a selfish gain in it. This is solely for the community. It is just to love on people. We just see a need in it and it’s an offer to help prevent some things. Sometimes we have people get vision screenings, sometimes they find glaucoma. If we can help prevent it, we certainly want to do that,” Liles said.

Officials from Vidant-Beaufort hospital will be there, as well as members of Beaufort County Health Department. Walgreens, Precision Eye Care, Mid-East Commission for the Aging will also offer services. There will also be free flu shots, vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring and BMI testing. Healthy snacks will be provided throughout the day, and door prizes will be awarded, according to Liles. She will also provide low vision and blindness advocacy information.

The event is open to the public and completely free. Liles said it’s a beneficial event for those who are intimidated or don’t have the necessary resources to go to the doctors office because it will offer so many different aspects of health together in one place. The event will also serve as way to connect residents in the community will services and opportunities in the community that they might not of known were available, according to Liles.

“It’s kind of a two fold approach for the community,” Liles said.

It’s the first time Liles has organized an event like this for her nonprofit, but she said the community has been extremely compliant. She’s had no problem getting other organizations involved with the fair.

“One of the things with Washington and Beaufort County, that I love, is there is a big desire inside of businesses and nonprofits to collaborate,” Liles said.

The Health and Wellness Fair is Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Blind Center of North Carolina, located at 221 N. Harvey St., Washington.