Hillsborough County Healthy Living Program (HCHL) hosts monthly Community Health Fairs across the country, providing free services and resources to residents.
On April 18, HCHL will be at the People’s Community Park and Life Center from 9 a.m. to noon, offering health screens, vaccinations, food from Feeding Tampa Bay and more.
“We are trying to reach all areas in the community to make residents aware that we do have health care plans and services that these individuals may or may not know about,” said Paulett Davis, Healthy Living manager
At the event, the Florida Department of Health will offer limited vaccinations based on availability. Organizations will provide information on health care plans, while Feeding Tampa Bay will distribute food until 10:30 a.m. A new service offering heart screenings will also be available.
“An organization called Who We Play For is providing free health screenings,” Davis said. “Now there’s a requirement for ninth through twelfth graders to have a heart screen done to participate in sports. We will now be able to provide these services for free.”
Pre-registration is encouraged for heart screenings, through walk-ups are accepted.
Additional screenings will include A1C and cholesterol testing.
“We will have kids activities, a balloon twister and face painter, to help parents get their health taken care of while their children have fun and are occupied,” Davis said.
Outside of these events, HCHL services are available to Hillsborough County residents earning under 175% of the federal poverty level. Case workers will be on site to help residents understand their options and determine eligibility.
At last month’s event, around 320 families were served. Feeding Tampa Bay distributed around 11,000 pounds of food and the Florida Department of Health screened about 50 residents.
“We believe Hillsborough County Health Care Plan can provide the information that needs to get to the public,” Davis said. “We are not widely recognized and we want to be the last resort, and help residents get the health care they need.”
HCHL is not an insurance provider, but serves as a resource to connect residents with available services through its partners.
Upcoming Community Health Fairs:
May 16 – Bethune park
June 13 – Plant City CRC
July 18 – Lee Davis CRC
August 22 – SouthShore CRC
September 19 – Plant City CRC
October 17 – Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center
All health fairs run from 9 a.m. to noon. Food distribution is available from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.