The roar of Lions will awake the Ironton community Saturday morning as the Ironton Lions Club plays host to the Diabetes Awareness Community Health Fair at 8:30 a.m. in the Ohio University Southern Mains Rotunda in Ironton.

Lions member Dr. William Basedow and staff from the Basedow Family Clinic in Ironton will be among the health fair participants. Basedow said diabetes is a big problem is Lawrence County.

“So many go undiagnosed,” Basedow said. “People need to be more aware of the disease and more vigilant in treatment. There are a lot of long-term complications that come with diabetes, including blindness.”

Supporting services and research for the blind is a key mission for the Lions Club.

Basedow said his clinic will hand out free testing meters and providing information on diet, medication and answering any questions on diabetes the public may have during the event.

According to health commissioner and Lions Club member Laura Brown, Lawrence County ranks 86th among Ohio’s 88 counties in terms of health rating.

The three main reasons are diabetes, smoking and obesity.

“We need to get our diabetes under control, educate and get people to stop smoking. Education is the key,” she said.

For people who want to get screened at the fair (diabetes or cholesterol): no food or drink after midnight the night before.

The following is a list of organizations participating in the health fair:

• Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital

• Ironton City Fire Department

• Community Hospice

• Collins Career Center

• Dr. Basedow and staff

• Central Ohio Diabetes Association

• Unger’s Shoes

• Area Aging Agency 7 (AAA7)

• Kelley Medical

• Family Voices of Ohio

• Care Source

• Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

• Quality Home Health

• Ironton City Healthy Department

• Lawrence County Health Department

• Appalachian Translation Research Network

• Lawrence County Health and Wellness Initiative

Those seeking more information can contact Lions Club members Laura Brown at (740) 532-2172 or Mike Caldwell at (740) 532-1441.