A group of St. Louis businesses and nonprofits are joining together Saturday to host the third annual African Community Health Fair.
The event, which promotes self-care and wellness for African-Americans, will offer a range of free health tests, including blood pressure, cholesterol, vision and podiatry screenings. Organizers say the fair provides a vital service, particularly for those who don’t have regular access to health care.
“[The fair] brings increased awareness of health risk to the community and direct access to health education,” event organizer Veronica Banks said.
More than 25 health care organizations will be on-site, including CHIPS’ Community Health and Wellness Center, Planned Parenthood and Affinia Health.
The fair will also feature Ojo the Storyteller and performances by the St. Louis-based group Ngonma in Motion, as well as holistic healing demonstrations.
The goal, Banks said, is to encourage residents to take a more comprehensive view of their health.
“We hope that it’s going to increase what we call self-care,” she said. “Whether it’s health wellness or if it’s taking care of yourself through other kinds of ways; mentally, spiritually or physically.”
The African Community Health Fair is co-sponsored by Progressive Emporium & Education Center, Sudan Illustrators Inc, TEACH Society, Good Journey Development Foundation, McCormack Baron Salazar, Uhuru Lifestyles, Milele Evolving and Alderman Terry Kennedy, D-18th Ward.
If you go:
Time: 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Place: Progressive Emporium and Education Center, 1108 N. Sarah St., and Turner Park, North Sarah and CD Banks streets
Cost: Free
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