Barstow Resource Fair and Veterans Connection to offer mental health services

Nearly 80 organizations have registered to participate in Barstow Community Coalition’s annual Resource Fair & Veterans Connection.

Scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday at the Cora Harper Fitness Center in Barstow, the fair is considered one of the largest community events in the High Desert.

The free event will offer resources on healthcare, mental health, law enforcement, education, employment, business services, veterans services and social services,

Several government agencies from the city, county, state and national levels will participate.

The event will kick off with a military color guard followed by opening remarks from Rep. Jay Obernolte, 33rd District Assemblyman Thurston “Smitty” Smith, Mayor Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney and local military commanders.

Raffles will be held throughout the afternoon culminating with the grand prize of a large screen TV donated by P.A.C.E. Services/EC Barstow.

“Every year, I’ve seen more visitors and vendors participate in the resource fair,” said Barstow resident Annie Clayton. “The event is like a one-stop-shop for services and information, except there’s no shopping because it’s free.”

Participating organizations

Representatives from the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s office will be on site to facilitate the process of expungement for certain offenses, organizers said.

SBC’s Assessor-Recorder office will be on hand to obtain copies of birth certificates and marriage certificates. Copies will be made available for a fee. Debit and credit cards only.

Lifestream's Mobile Blood Bank will accept blood donations and the conservation group Saving Slowpoke will be on hand to showcase desert tortoise rescue/preservation.

Also available, health screenings, a mobile clinic for veterans needing mental health counseling and an area for kid's crafts.

To pre-register and for more information, visit facebook.com/BarstowCommunityCoalition.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz