The 17th Annual Minority Health Fair will be held Saturday, April 26, at the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center, 445 Bowman Street, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The health fair, a combined project of many Richland County agencies and partners, will offer many free health screenings.
“All of the health screenings are free at the Minority Health Fair. Many community partners come together to coordinate these screenings and we are proud to be part of that effort,” said Martin Tremmel, Richland Public Health Commissioner. “This is a great opportunity for the community to take advantage of the screenings and get information about ways to improve and protect their health.”
Among the free screenings are blood pressure checks, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, mammograms, prostate screening, and many others. These screenings help give early warning signs associated with many ongoing health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. You do not need to be a minority to attend.
“The number of mammogram, prostate, cholesterol and hearing screening appointments is limited, and we are scheduling those appointments now,” said Dana Eichelberger, a Minority Health Fair Committee member. Those interested in scheduling an appointment for a mammogram, cholesterol or hearing screening should call 419-774-4544. Cholesterol screenings require a 12-hour fast.
Prostate screenings are for men age 50 and over and pre-registration is required. Call 419-524-2626 to schedule an appointment.
American Red Cross blood drive will occur on-site for the duration of the fair. Walk-ins are accepted. Those wishing to schedule a time to donate blood should call the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
In addition to the many free activities and health screenings, the 7th Day Adventist Church will be providing free breakfast and lunch at the fair.
Free transportation will be provided by the Mary Bethune McLeod Center. Anyone needing transportation to the Minority Health Fair should call 419-522-2200 to schedule a ride.
More than 40 area agency booths and displays will be there with free health information and many giveaways. There will be food available and a variety of door prizes will be given away every hour. The Health Fair includes activities for all ages, and families are encouraged to attend.
For more information on the 17th Annual Minority Health Fair, call 419-774-4544, or go online at www.richlandhealth.org.