Day of Wholeness brings health, hope and connection to Florida's Heartland

SEBRING, Fla. - Rain didn't stop hundreds of people across Highlands and Hardee Counties from taking part in AdventHealth's Day of Wholeness, a free health and fall festival designed to help residents take a simple step toward better health.

Saturday's event also included a Sabbath worship service that brought local Seventh-day Adventist churches, AdventHealth team members and community members together in reflection, fellowship and prayer.

The service at South Florida State College emphasized the shared commitment to extending hope, healing and compassionate service throughout the Heartland.

The Sebring event was held at Sebring Circle Park, where community members visited wellness stations, connected with AdventHealth care teams and learned practical ways to support their health. Guests who completed a Wellness Passport received free produce from local farms, including Double K Farm and Burgin Farm.

The afternoon included healthcare conversations, take-home wellness resources, nutrition information, food demonstrations, ministry and prayer support and family-friendly fall activities. Family medicine and internal medicine residents also presented short "Chalk Talks" on important health topics.

In addition to the Sebring Circle Park location, Day of Wholeness events were also held in Avon Park at Ridge Area SDA Church, AdventHealth Lake Placid and AdventHealth Wauchula.

Each location offered opportunities for residents to connect with local care teams, learn about health and wellness, and access free resources in a welcoming community setting. Spanish-language support was also available.

To extend the day's impact, End Hunger Mobile Food Pantry offered an additional food distribution from Feeding Tampa Bay in collaboration with United Way of Central Florida, Hands for Hope and with support from AdventHealth.

Volunteers handed out nearly 8,000 pounds of food serving more than 620 people during the event at Hands for Hope on 151 Robert Britt St. in Avon Park.

"Day of Wholeness gave us the opportunity to meet people where they are and offer resources that can support their health in everyday life," AdventHealth Sebring, Wauchula and Lake Placid President and CEO Jason Dunkel said. "From fresh produce and nutrition education to conversations with physicians and help connecting with care, each part of the event was designed to make whole-person wellness more accessible. We are thankful to the local churches, farms, volunteers and community partners who helped create a welcoming day for families throughout the Heartland. Together, we are building stronger connections and a healthier community."

Day of Wholeness was presented by AdventHealth in partnership with local Seventh-day Adventist churches. All activities were free and open to the community.

To learn more about AdventHealth services in Highlands and Hardee counties, click here.