By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace will celebrate 30 years of serving the St. John the Baptist Parish community with a commemoration ceremony and free health fair today.

Tammy Waltz, director of marketing for the hospital, said a short ceremony will take place at 9 a.m., and events will continue until 1 p.m. on the grounds of the hospital, located at 500 Rue de Santé.

Residents who attend can take advantage of free health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, body mass index, foot screenings, bone density and vision tests. There will also be information on self breast examinations, infant immunizations, weight loss and stroke assessments. An on-site blood drive by United Blood Services is also part of the day.

Waltz said the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to perform child fingerprinting identification and child safety seat inspections. The LaPlace Volunteer Fire Department will demonstrate proper fire extinguisher use and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit will also conduct a demonstration. Door prizes will be given to the first 50 attendees and additional prizes will be awarded every hour. Food, drinks and more will also be available.