Let’s Get Healthy Together Columbus: SARNCO Hosts First Community Health Fair
As Columbus continues to face challenges in accessing health and supportive services, a new event is stepping up to connect the community with the resources that they need most. SARNCO (Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio) is hosting its first community health fair on September 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help bridge the gap in resources. Designed as a one-stop shop, the resource fair is free and open to everyone in the community.
The Resource Fair
Deandre Criddell, SARNCO outreach coordinator, has worked for the program for six years, helping to advocate for members of the community that have experienced sexual violence. “We started going to seven events a year and now we're doing seven events a month. Just this past year in 2024, we did about 80 events. We reached a little over 4,000 people,” Criddell said.
Recognizing the impact that these resources can have on the community, SARNCO decided they wanted to reach more people. Criddell said, “we want people to know that not only is SARNCO here, but all of these amazing resources like medical care, insurance care, health care and wellness. All these resources are available to them, and we are here for them regardless of where they are in their journey.”
The fair will include educational information, music, face painting, artwork and interactive activities, with over 26 vendors and resources such as One Door, Central Community House, Columbus Public Health and more. One Door provides a wide range of services to people in Franklin County. They offer food, childcare, medical assistance, aging resources, re-entry support and more to help a variety of different people.
Another key partner in hosting the event is Central Community House, a non-profit community center that provides crucial support to families through youth programs, financial assistance, community events and more. The program assists people throughout all stages of life with the mission of empowering people to reach their greatest potential.
Each vendor that is attending the health fair has a diverse range of resources to help people from different backgrounds find support. They have a variety of opportunities for everyone to get involved regardless of age.
What is SARNCO?
SARNCO is a program at OhioHealth that provides advocacy and care for survivors of sexual assault. They have on-site support at OhioHealth, Mount Carmel and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and provide a 24-hour sexual assault helpline for all 88 counties in Ohio. Criddell shared that 56 counties don’t have a rape crisis center in their area, so SARNCO helps survivors in those counties get the support they need.
A sexual assault survivor can ask for an advocate while at the hospital and request their advocate to stay however long they need. They walk through the process from beginning to end – this includes explaining legal information, forensic exams, and aftercare advocacy.
SARNCO has several programs in place to help assist survivors during and after their time at the hospital:
- 24-hour emergency room advocacy
- 24-hour sexual assault helpline
- Sexual violence prevention program
- Aftercare advocacy
- Campus advocacy at The Ohio State University
- Rape, abuse and incest national network (RAINN)
- Recovery resources
These resources are free and offer emotional, legal and financial support for all survivors.
SARNCO Resources
“We want people to know that SARNCO is here. These resources are here for them in our community, and we have a lot to offer. So please reach out to us. We'll be happy to help assist and know that if we don't have the answer, someone in this room also has the answer and can help,” Criddell said.
Find more information about the resources and services that SARNCO provides.
Speak with an advocate today at (844) 644-6435 or chat online with a trained SARNCO staff member.
Learn about becoming a volunteer.
- What: This free community resource fair is open to everyone and offers a way to connect with local organizations on a variety of topics, including wellness, childcare, medical assistance and more.
- When: September 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Central Community House, 1150 E Main St Columbus, OH 43205
