For communities across the country, summer is the season when many are looking to get out of the house and enjoy time with friends and neighbors. Whenever people get together, volunteer organizations have a chance to teach their communities how to become healthier and more resilient. Whether your community is getting together at a block party, a community fair, a picnic, outdoor movie, or another fun event, you can use it as an opportunity to improve your community’s health security.

Start by checking your local calendar of events to see what local summer events are already planned that you may be able to help with or join. You can incorporate health into these events that are already planned by inviting volunteer organizations or businesses to sponsor health-related activities. Talk to the organizers of the event and find out if you can set up an exhibit booth, mini-clinic, or demonstration.

Once you’ve got the space, reach out to some partners that can exhibit at the event to help teach and provide services to people. Here are some great ways that partners in your community can help:

• Medical Reserve Corps volunteers can teach their communities about bystander preparedness.
• A hospital or American Red Cross representatives that can provide first-aid or CPR demonstrations.
• Your local fire department or a volunteer organization could set up a cooling tent. While people are there, the sponsors could teach people about spotting heat-related illnesses.
• Local grocers can donate some fresh, healthy foods for attendees. If it is hot outside, consider asking them to donate cold water.
• A local clinic or pharmacy may be able to provide free or low-cost flu shots or other vaccines.
• A local gym or fitness facility can offer free demonstrations to help get people excited about their health.
• Don’t forget your city officials! Invite your local health department or city hall representatives to participate.

After your vendors and activities are planned, be sure to tell everyone about the great resources they can find at the event! Tell your local newspaper or news websites. Send out posts and reminders on social media, and ask others to share too. Post flyers at local businesses, community centers, places of worship, and other public spaces. And during the event, be sure to take pictures so you can share what event attendees learned with others on social media after the event is over.

Check out ASPR’s National Health Security Activity Guides for more information on holding a health resilience fair or other fun activities you and your fellow neighbors can take part in to help protect the health of one another this summer.

Don’t miss out this summer on the great opportunities that your community will have for neighbors to connect and get to know one another—and the chance to teach others how they can become more healthy and resilient!