LAPLACE – Potentially lifesaving medical screenings and information concerning cholesterol, blood sugar levels, stroke prevention and other wellness issues will be available to the public Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during River Parishes Hospital’s Health Fair on the hospital grounds in La Place.

The event, sponsored in part by Sempra Energy Resources’ proposed Bonnet Carre power project, will also include blood pressure and asthma screenings, nutrition and exercise information plus family fun, including a children’s slide and appearances by Spiderman and Scooby Doo.

“We have had 20 years to build on our comprehensive health and safety program and this event will be especially informative and fun for every possible participant, from children, teens and adults to seniors,” Sean Roussel, administrative director/ancillary services, River Parishes Hospital, said. “We are very pleased that Sempra Energy Resources is sponsoring an annual event that benefits the health and well-being of our entire community. Although the Bonnet Carre power plant is still in the permitting stages, the people at Sempra Energy Resources are already demonstrating that they’ll be good neighbors.”

Sempra is planning to build a $600 million electric generating facility in LaPlace called Bonnet Carre Power. According to the project developers, Bonnet Carre will provide 1,200 megawatts of power or enough electricity for 750,000 homes.

The project is expected to go into operation in 2005.

“The River Parishes Hospital Health Fair reflects the health and safety commitment that we typically support in our hometown communities,” said Kevin Swartz, project director for Sempra Energy Resources’ Bonnet Carre Power. “This is the first event we’ve sponsored in the LaPlace area and we’re looking forward to supporting future programs that take health screenings directly to communities and schools.”

In addition to the health-related events, the fair will include car seat safety checks as well as cake decorating and jambalaya cooking contests.

and a special recognition of employees who have served the hospital over the past 20 years.