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ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœIn a nutshell, the health fair just focuses on overall improving health outcomes in minority populations throughout the Tri-State area,ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ� said Minority Health Initiative Director LaDawna Walker Dean.

According to Dean, the event was born in 2018 from a deep concern with local residents ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœtaking back their health.ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ� She said many residents, especially those in minority and low-income populations, may be vulnerable when it comes to seeking health resources, which can deepen existing health disparities.

Dean also pointed out specific inequities underserved people in Huntington might face, including poor housing conditions, which could increase the chances of illness from chronic exposure to mold and dust.

She said the event addresses inequities by ensuring minority and low income communities have an ease of access to health care while offering services that are culturally competent, meaning respectful of minority populations. She said it also provides health education to empower individuals to make informed health choices and fosters community engagement in addressing the specific needs of the minority population.

ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœThis (event) is a way to advocate for change regarding health,ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ� Dean said. ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœIÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ™m all about unification, bringing hospitals, bringing health care systems together, and that is so important ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ” shutting down the silos, helping each other.

ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœThis is just an empowerment event.ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ�

Dean said when the event first started in 2018, there were only about 15 vendors. Six years later, the event has grown, bringing together more community organizations and health care providers than ever.

Attendees will be able to walk from table to table, collecting information, talking to physicians and taking advantage of free services along the way.

Dean said Walgreens will be there providing free vaccinations, and Ebenezer Medical Outreach will be offering free blood pressure screenings and eye examinations and giving away free reading glasses if needed. She said the Bruce Chertow Diabetes Center will provide free blood glucose testing, and the American Heart Association will be in attendance.

Itty Bitty Therapy Horses will also be on the grass near the fountain to provide a therapeutic experience for all attendees, and MammusÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ™ Kitchen and Catering, among other food vendors, will be there.

ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœI just want the community to come out and enjoy a good atmosphere of fun, connection, contact and just even know whoÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ™s in your community from a health (standpoint),ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ� Dean said.