Approximately 30 exhibitors offered information at the Aurora African American Health Coalition’s 18th annual health fair Saturday, April 5. The free public event was held at Aurora Christian Schools in Aurora from 8 a.m. to noon.
Featured were health screenings including blood pressure and blood work exams, a blood drive, guest speakers, breakout sessions, children’s activities, light breakfast and a raffle drawing. Giveaways included fresh carrots, potatoes, apples, lemons and other fruits and vegetables.
Coalition president Cynthia Miller opened the event with welcoming remarks to attendees.
Keynote speakers were Dr. Naomi Parrella and Dr. Willie R. Cobb, Jr. They explored “GLP1s and What Works: What We’ve Learned from Real Life Experience.” Leading breakout sessions were Dr. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts on men’s health and Dr. Lysia Townsend on women’s health.
Versiti Blood Center of Aurora hosted a mobile blood drive by licensed phlebotomists in a van in the school parking lot.
Fair cosponsors were Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board, Aurora Community Resource Team, Kane County Health Department, Prime Healthcare, Top Ladies of Distinction and Illinois Department of Public Health.
For more information, email aurorahealthcoalition@Gmail.com.
—Al Benson