The Shelby County Health Department is gearing up to bring much-needed health services and information directly to the community at the upcoming Community Care Fair this Saturday. Announced to be held on August 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Whitehaven Community Center at 4318 Graceland Drive in Memphis will serve as the venue for the event designed to support families, especially before the start of the new school year.
On the agenda for attendees are a range of free services, including vaccinations for children and adults, which the Health Department hopes will help to quickly reduce the number of unvaccinated individuals before school resumes on August 4. According to a recent announcement, the fair will feature CHANT assistance, confidential HIV testing, opioid overdose harm reduction kits, infant CPR kits, the Healthy Start Live Long Program, as well as violence prevention resources and various giveaways. The Shelby County Health Department aims to make its services more easily accessible and to simultaneously celebrate the community spirit with free food and a range of health resources.
Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Department Director/Health Officer, pointed out the significance of this event for the local populace. "Shelby County Health Department is pleased to offer these services to the people of Whitehaven and the surrounding community. Our goal is to make all our valuable health department services more accessible to the public," he said.
As the day of the fair approaches, organizers reiterate the importance of preventing diseases like mpox and COVID-19, amid the past years' ongoing global health challenges. The fair will not only provide vaccinations but also aims to educate and equip residents with knowledge and tools for healthier living. The wide array of activities and resources planned promises to address various aspects of community health while fostering an environment of care and support within the vibrant fabric of Whitehaven. "This event is the perfect time for families to get their children up-to-date on immunizations at no cost before the back-to-school rush. We hope the community will join us on Saturday, August 2, for free food, back-to-school immunizations, and many other services," Dr. Bruce Randolph told Shelby County Health Department News.
