Health Fair on the Block Gets Attendees Jumping for Success
Antionette Fisher and Kimesha Mosely
Published: October 24, 2011
A CVS/pharmacy pharmacist speaks to an Auburn Gresham resident about services that CVS provides at their stores.
Ernest Sanders
The sun shined bright as the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GADC) hosted their bi-annual Health Fair on the Block of 79th Street in Auburn Gresham. This block's long event was full of dedicated participants, who were there to offer residents of the Auburn Gresham community valuable information on health and other community resources.
One key participant and sponsor during the Health Fair was CVS pharmacy. They offered residents flu shots and blood pressure screenings. CVS had over eighty people stop by their table to take advantage of one of the two services provided.
The Health Fair was also supported by GADC's Elev8 initiative, which aims to ensure that middle school students succeed in school and their communities by providing them with multiple supports, including: comprehensive on-site school-based health services; before and after-school, and summer learning opportunities; and effective mentoring by caring adults.
GADC believes in the importance and relevance of informing the community on different health issues, prevention, and other community resources. Job readiness is also a component of this Health Fair . GADC works directly with the St. Sabina Employment Resource Center. They offered attendees information about their services as well as how to gain employment. Examples include how to write resumes, interview with potential employers, and how you can improve your life as a whole.
GADC Staffer, Cheryl Brown helps to distribute loaves of organic bread to participants and passer-byers at the Health Fair on the Block.
Ernest Sanders
Members of the community, participants of the Health Fair, GADC staff, along with Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Collins took to the streets and exercised by playing jump rope. This was a highlight of the Health Fair because it not only promoted exercise, but the importance of having fun and a good laugh. Statics suggest that stress can be the cause of so many other illnesses. Exercise, letting yourself go and finding ways to laugh can be very beneficial in relieving stress.
The residents that poured onto the streets as well as the health providers also received loaves of bread from GADC, donated Manna Organics, to say thank you. Volunteers danced in the street, and in some instances gave away bread by the case to those passing by.
Other participants of the Health Fair included but were not limited to: Aflac, WellCare, Access Community Health, Catholic Charities, Family Health Network, Curves and more. Each participant/vendor, resident of the community and volunteers all made this Health Fair a huge success. Everyone left excited and ready to return for the next one!
Click here to see photos from this beautiful day.