You Won’t Believe What Secrets Will Be Revealed at WesternU Oregon’s Life-Changing Rural Health Fair!

Western University of Health Sciences is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual Rural Health Care Equity Fair (RHCEF), set to take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lebanon River Center, located at 3000 S Santiam Hwy, Lebanon, OR 97355. This free event is open to the public and does not require registration, making it an accessible opportunity for community members to engage with local health resources.

The RHCEF aims to bridge the gap between the community and essential health services. Attendees can expect a wide range of offerings, including general health screenings, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), sports physicals, balance screenings, and bone scan interpretations. The event will also feature raffles, giveaways, and information from various local organizations.

This year, participants will have the opportunity to connect with organizations such as the Lebanon Area Mental Health Alliance, East Linn Community Clinic (ELCC), Casa Unidos Latinos, the Lebanon Senior Center, and Family Tree Relief Nursery. A noteworthy addition to this year's fair is the presence of the Samaritan Mobile Medicine Clinic, which will provide comprehensive medical exams on-site.

“We’ve done everything we possibly can to ensure that what you receive at the fair remains free, and that we can continue to provide you with care for free moving forward,”

said Gina Miller, MD, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and faculty event organizer. She emphasized the importance of this initiative, especially for individuals and families without primary care. “For folks that don’t have primary care, adults or children, we will have the ability to set them up for longitudinal care for their chronic conditions through the ELCC free clinic.” Notably, this follow-up care will not require insurance, making it an invaluable resource for those who might otherwise face barriers to receiving medical attention.

The event is primarily organized and staffed by dedicated medical students from WesternU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest) and physical therapy students from the College of Health Sciences-Northwest (CHS-Northwest). As the college transitions to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, these students are gaining practical experience while serving the community.

“Something that I’ve come to observe as I’ve connected with the different organizations in the area is the importance of having an event where people are there to talk, in person, about questions in one setting,”

shared Hayden Manninen, a first-year student and volunteer at COMP-Northwest. “It’s bridging this gap about knowing what resources are out there, but also letting people ask questions.” Manninen believes that such face-to-face interactions can help individuals overcome hesitations they might have about seeking health care and encourage them to embark on a healthier lifestyle.

Event organizers strongly encourage individuals and families to attend, ask questions, and take full advantage of the diverse array of services available. With the focus on equitable access to health care, the RHCEF stands as a vital resource in addressing the health needs of the community, particularly in rural areas where such services can often be limited.

Event Details

WHO: Western University of Health Sciences
WHAT: Rural Health Care Equity Fair
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026
WHERE: Lebanon River Center, 3000 S. Santiam Hwy, Lebanon, OR 97355
WHAT: Free health care event featuring general screenings, youth & sports physicals, physical therapy screenings, nutrition & lifestyle education, osteopathic manipulation demonstrations, and other local resources and presentations.