This weekend a visit to the park could save a life. The Annual Community Health Fair kicks off Saturday at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville.
The health fair is sponsored by the UVA Medical Center, Martha Jefferson Hospital, and the Virginia Department of Health. Healthcare providers will offer hearing, vision, and blood pressure screenings. It's also an opportunity to be screened for diabetes. Many of these screenings are free.
Elizabeth Beasley is the Senior Health Promotions Consultant at the Virginia Department of Health in Charlottesville and says health fairs are important because it's a great way for the community to learn more about the free services the health department provides on a daily basis.
"I think a lot of people when they hear the world health department they think authority. They think regulation but we actually do a lot to try to promote our community's health," Beasley said.
A service the health department provides that many don't know about is the "Safe Sleep" program. It shows parents the steps they can take to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
The health fair is also coinciding with the African American Cultural Arts Festival at Booker T. Washington Park. That is from 10:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. The Annual Community Health Fair is from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Booker T. Washington Park is located at the intersection of Preston Avenue and 10th Street near the center of Charlottesville.
