Scotland health officials hope that both members of the Healthy Carolinians program and the public will attend the 2009-2010 kickoff meeting of the healthy living group on Sept. 9 at noon.

"September is both National Cholesterol Education Month and Fruit and Veggies - More Matters Month," said Kathie Cox, health educator and coordinator of the county Healthy Carolinians program. "What better way to celebrate the occasion than to make a commitment to health by attending the first yearly meeting of Healthy Carolinians?"

The meeting will be held in the education classroom of the Scotland County Health Department, located at 1405 West Boulevard in Laurinburg.

"We will discuss the completion of our Community Health Assessment and the upcoming year’s calendar," Cox said. "Please let me know if you plan to attend or bring a guest (RSVP) by Monday, Sept. 7 by calling me at 277-2470, Ext. 4478, or by emailing your response to kcox@scotlandcounty.org. We will have light refreshments for participants."

The steering committee is urged to attend, Cox said, and the meeting is open to the community.

"We appreciate your interest and participation with Scotland County Healthy Carolinians," Cox said. "We hope to see you at the meeting, and we encourage all community members to attend."

For more information, contact Cox at the health department.