Members of Congressional Black Caucus bring health care focus to South LA

Los Angeles-On Sunday, July 31, 2016, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Health Braintrust with the support of Congressional Representatives Karen Bass (D-California) and Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) joined with the Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church of South Los Angeles and Health Net to host a free Church Community Health Fair.

The event, themed ‘Your Journey to Health Begins Here’ offered a wide range of free services for children, adults, and families. During the event, participants were offered free screenings for blood pressure, body mass index, oral health, blood glucose, asthma, HIV and mental health/depression. In addition, there was a vision screening station that provided free reading glasses.

Attendees also received free gift cards, oral hygiene products, and school supplies. While the fair also presented opportunities to participate in Zumba exercise and a farmer’s market. Attendees were also presented with a variety of other giveaway items.

The Health Fair was the result of a collaboration with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, Watts Health Center, Kindred Community Mental Health Center, church goers and community members. It focused on the importance of the impact lifestyle behaviors can have on health and wellbeing.