– organisers hope to make GABPC health fair an annual event
The Guyanese American Professional Business Council (GABPC) held its first free health fair on Saturday, March 16th, benefitting residents of South Jamaica, Queens. The health fair was held at Idlewild Terrace, In. on Rockaway Blvd. The organisation said it hosted the health fair in this neighbourhood because of the lack of health care facilities around the community. GABPC hopes to make this an annual event.
Although the rain and snow put some damper on the event, many persons came out in the low 20’s temperature and took advantage of the free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, mammograms, blood pressure, clinical breast test, HIV, and hepatitis C and flu vaccines. They received a lot of information for health care resources and information on health insurance. Kids and even some parents enjoyed face painting and time with mascot Dr. Health E. Hound, compliments of United Health Care. There were free foods and many giveaways by the companies and organisations that sponsored the fair.
“Families have so many things to worry about,” GABPC Executive Director, Shanie Persaud said. “The last thing they worry about is health.” Outside of the children, Persaud said the attendees at the fair ranged between the ages of 35 and 65.
