DECATUR, Ill. – In addition to updates from the ag industry, visitors to the 2021 Farm Progress Show can get free hearing and vision screenings and free blood typing. The Health and Safety tent, sponsored by Illinois AgrAbility, will be open Tuesday, Aug. 31 through Thursday, Sept. 2 at the Decatur event.
The Macon County Health Department will provide free one-dose COVID-19 vaccinations daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provide information for those seeking answers to vaccination questions, says Rachel Deerwester, director of clinical nursing services at Macon County Health Department. Anyone 18 years or older who is interested in receiving the vaccination should bring their identification or insurance card to the Health and Safety Tent.
Fifteen healthcare, public health, public safety, and agriculture industry organizations will be in the tent, located at booth space 1125 of the show.
"We have a great group of organizations prepared to deliver health and safety information to Farm Progress Show attendees," says Josie Rudolphi, University of Illinois Extension specialist and Illinois AgrAbility director. "In addition to the health screenings and the vaccination clinic, we will have agricultural safety demonstrations, agricultural assistive technologies displays, information about stress management and mental health, and resources for parents to keep children safe on farms."
Joining Illinois AgrAbility will be the national organization which will demonstrate assistive technology for the farm and resources for farmers with physical barriers to operating their farm, says Stephen Swain, assistive technology specialist with National AgrAbility Project.
One may purchase entry tickets to the Farm Progress Show for $20 at the gate or $15 in advance. Advance tickets are available for purchase online until the last day of the show. Purchase tickets and find out more at farmprogressshow.com.
Illinois AgrAbility provides direct services and solutions to farmers in Illinois with disabilities so they can maintain their independence and continue farming. Illinois AgrAbility is a program of Illinois Extension. To learn more about Illinois AgrAbility visit agrabilityunlimited.org/. To request services contact Josie Rudolphi at josier@illinois.edu.
SOURCE: Josie Rudolphi, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Illinois AgrAbility Director
WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communication Manager
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.