Beacon health fairs provide people with the tools they need to take charge of their health

Every Spring, our Beacon programs partner with local organizations to offer free community health fairs for our families. Fairs typically include resource tables, dental and vision screenings, blood pressure screenings, and other health-related offerings. These multi-partner efforts focus on bringing an array of resources under one roof at one time to assist individuals and families who might not otherwise have the information they need or access to healthcare. 

On Saturday, May 4, nearly 2,000 people attended District 30’s Family Wellness Festival in East Elmhurst’s I.S. 227, a collaboration between our Beacon Program at P.S. 149 and parent coordinators from a number of schools in the district. Families enjoyed STEM activities, Zumba, rock climbing, cooking demonstrations, bounce houses and free health and dental screenings.

On Saturday, May 11, our at J.H.S. 190 Beacon hosted its annual Community Health Fair for families in the Forest Hills/Rego Park area. Attendees accessed resources from Shape Up NYC, Get Covered NYC, EmblemHealth, Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Born 2 Win Martial Arts, among others, as wel as live demonstrations from Stop the Bleed, Brazilian Capoeira, Self-Defense and Shotokan.

"By offering free events like these, we’re advancing our community’s health awareness and providing people with the tools they need to take responsibility for their own health,” said Director of Beacon Services, Oswald Araujo. “We understand that families today are busier than ever, and with that in mind, we want to make it as easy as possible for families to access these resources.”

On Saturday, June 15, our Beacon at M.S. 210 in Ozone Park will host their Health, Housing and Resource Fair, where local providers from Southeast Queens will offer free resources and activities for local families. Click here for information on place, time and providers.

Our Beacon Programs are funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development.