A former star athlete at Columbus East High School, Steve McClure didn't give much thought to his diet. “I weighed 239 pounds,” he said, “I wasn't eating right...a lot of fried foods...”  A diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes served as a harsh wake up call, and gave McClure the motivation to not only change his lifestyle, but to help others to do the same.

Twenty years later, McClure is helping thousands of Central Ohioans get healthy. “Before my mom passed away, she told me to do something good,” says McClure, “and let the community know about getting healthy.” Her words inspired him to create Living Smart Workshops. Now in its fifth year, the Living Smart Workshops and Health Expo is scheduled for Saturday, July 28th at Mayme Moore Park at the King Arts Complex.

The event will offer free health screenings, a job fair with on-site interviews, a cheerleading, dance, step and talent showcase, a car and bike show, food vendors and various workshops. Fresh produce and some 500 bags of school supplies will be distributed, and the Ohio State Barber College will provide free haircuts.

Among the professionals volunteering their time and expertise is Dr. Brian Kvitko, the Clintonville dentist who will bring his mobile dental outreach vehicle to conduct free dental screenings. “What I like about it is you're bringing the care to the people in the neighborhood where it's needed,” he says. “We'll be doing exams, cleanings and if I see someone with a need, we'll do what we can.”

Various local community and business leaders will speak and conduct workshops. Among them is the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, one of the event's presenting sponsors. OHFA Chief Communications Officer Molly Moses says the state agency will be on hand to help point potential homeowners in the right direction. “We have several different programs that are designed to help people purchase homes who may not have had enough money saved for a down payment, or they may be eligible for discounted mortgage interest rates through one of our programs.”

McClure says this year's event aims to help provide a million meals for needy Ohioans by benefiting the Inprem Holistic Community Resource Center food pantry. The pantry is open from 10 to 7 weekdays at 5757 Karl Road.

The Living Smart Workshops and Health Expo is Saturday, July 28th from 10 AM – 2 PM at Mayme Moore Park, 240 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Admission is free, but a donation of two nonperishable food items is requested.