Leo Torres
Gadsden County News Service
Gadsden County Emergency Management partnered with the Gadsden County Board of Commissioners on Saturday for the 7th annual Hurricane Preparedness Health and Safety Fair, held at United Natural Foods, Inc. in Quincy.
LaShun Mitchell, a grant coordinator for the Gadsden County Board of Commissioners, said the fair offered batteries, blankets, household supplies, diapers, pet products, and other essentials to residents.
About 500 people attended, and by the end of the event nearly all supplies had been distributed. Attendees were also able to receive healthcare screenings and blood pressure checks.
“I think it just says that Gadsden County cares about their people,” Mitchell said. “They want people to know that as a community, we come together, we love you, we support you. If you need it and we have it, you can have it.”
Emergency Management Director Tashonda Whaley said the fair is held each year ahead of hurricane season, which begins June 1.
“This is our county; we all were born and raised here. We try to look out for our neighbors,” Whaley said. “We take pride in our county, and we just want people to be prepared, be safe, have a plan, and look out for each other.”
Whaley encouraged residents to know their nearest shelter, review their insurance policies, and secure food and water supplies in advance. She also urged families with medically dependent members to register for the county’s special‑needs services.
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office also participated. Col. Bobby Collins, law enforcement bureau chief, said the agency’s top priority is community safety. He witnessed firsthand the consequences of inadequate preparation during Hurricane Michael.
“Be prepared and start preparing now — not when the storm comes,” Collins said.
Veneka Brown, mental health and substance abuse coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office, reminded residents to consider the needs of loved ones with mental health conditions.
“We’re encouraging all family members that if you have someone suffering with mental health, make sure you have a plan for them because that’s very important,” Brown said. “For people who suffer from anxiety and depression, make sure you have your meds, and make sure you have the number for your provider and counselors.”
