Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will offer free screenings and tips on healthier living for people with deafness or hearing loss at this year’s WellFEST event. WellFEST will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. April 9 at the Nashville Public Library at 615 Church Street.

Since 1978, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has provided services and resources for Tennesseans who are deaf or hard of hearing and also for people who would like more information about hearing-related issues. The organization is sponsored by the Tennessee Office of the Secretary of State, the Nashville Public Library and federal grants.

Health screenings have been offered at WellFEST for the last three years. Medical staff affiliated with Vanderbilt University will conduct screenings for health, hearing and fitness. Attendees can also get chair massages offered by the staff from the Mind Body Institute.

Police officer Frank DeRiggi will address this year’s theme of hearing loss among first responders during a talk titled, “How to Survive Hearing Loss – On the Job and Socially.” Dr. Michael McKee will speak on ways to get healthy during a talk called, “Health Yourself.”

Also, Merijoy Lantz Rucker with Salud! from Whole Foods Market will share information about healthy recipes.

All of the day’s events will be available to the deaf and hard of hearing through Assistive Listening Devices, American Sign Language interpreters, real-time captioning and print communication devices.

“WellFEST is another example of the excellent services provided by Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “The free health screenings and information on hearing loss are welcome additions to the resources available to the deaf and hard of hearing communities.”

Please visit www.tndeaflibrary.nashville.gov for more information on this event and other services available through Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.