FORT SILL, Okla.-- Reynolds Army Community Hospital will hold a Healthcare Extravaganza for patients assigned to primary healthcare providers at the hospital. The dates are Oct. 5, Oct. 20 and Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the hospital.

"We have identified more than 2,400 patients who are enrolled at RACH who need their vaccinations updated and also need cancer screenings," said Dr. (Capt.) Dean Brewer, family physician in primary care. "We know that vaccines and cancer screenings save lives. That's why we feel that it's extremely important for Reynolds to encourage patients to get these screenings and vaccinations so that we can prevent these diseases."

"We're hoping to reach some of the patients who, for whatever reason, are not coming in on a regular basis," said Angela Dixon, internal medicine clinical registered nurse. "People gravitate to you if you are reaching out to them, versus waiting for them to come to you."

Dixon said the hospital will be offering mammogram screenings, colonoscopy screenings, lab work for diabetes, body-mass index screenings and vaccinations for pneumonia (pneumovax), tetanus boosters and influenza.

"We have thousands of influenza vaccine doses in stock and are giving them earlier this year, along with the pneumonia shots," she said.

RACH patients are encouraged to call and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted; however, priority will be given to scheduled appointments. Patients can call 558-2000 to make appointments or can register online at www.tricareonline.com.

The healthcare extravaganza is open to patients assigned to primary healthcare provider at Reynolds who are age 40 and up. Many of the health screenings being offered are not necessary for people younger than age 40. Flu shots can be given to patients age 6 months and older.

Patients are encouraged to bring their shots records if they have them.

"We hope this event is very successful and will occur annually, because we would like to bring in nutrition, pediatrics and other resources in the future," Brewer said.