North Central Health District

Second Annual It Takes a Village Community Resource Expo to Be Held in Sparta

Posted April 14, 2025 by Michael Hokanson

Hancock County Schools, North Central Health District’s SHINE Program, the Sparta-Hancock Chamber of Commerce, Hancock County Health Department, the City of Sparta, and the Hancock County Board of Commissioners invite all community members and their families to the It Takes a Village Community Resource Expo on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hancock County Youth Center at 12670 Augusta Hwy., Sparta, GA.

The event will kick off with an Easter egg hunt hosted by the Georgia Freemasons and Eastern Stars. Following the egg hunt, attendees can explore the Community Resource Expo, featuring over 50 vendors from both local areas and across Georgia, providing health and wellness resources, completely free of charge. There will be live entertainment from Mamma Mia, DJ Smoov, and local groups, as well as raffles, job opportunities, veteran and military services, and free food while supplies last. A complimentary shuttle service will also be available to transport attendees to and from the event from the Hancock County Courthouse.

In addition to the wide range of health resources at the Expo, Atrium Health will be offering free mammograms, Georgia Power will assist with income-qualified energy bill discounts, and the Hancock County Health Department will provide free bloodwork labs on a first-come, first-served basis. A Kids Zone, sponsored by Heidelberg Materials, will feature inflatable bounce houses, face painting, a free library, bike rides with Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, and other fun activities for children.

“We are excited to bring together so many community organizations and local resources for this event,” said Alicia Wright, Program Manager for the SHINE Program. “Last year’s event showed us that it really does take a village to build healthier communities, and we’re excited to continue working toward a healthier Hancock County.”

The It Takes a Village Community Resource Expo is a great opportunity for families to access valuable health services, learn about available community resources, and enjoy a fun day together!

For more information on the It Takes a Village Festival and Community Expo, visit the SHINE Program’s Facebook page.

To sign up for free mammograms through Atrium Health, please visit the Atrium Health Mobile Mammography Website.

Funded by the CDC’s REACH Program, the SHINE Program is committed to improving health, preventing chronic diseases, and improving health in Baldwin, Hancock, and Washington Counties by implementing proven public health strategies in the areas of Nutrition, Physical Activity, Early Care and Education (ECE), and Adult Vaccinations.

Interested in working with the SHINE Program? Visit nchd52.org/SHINE for more information about the SHINE program and to register as a partner.