Annual One Brooklyn Health Fair Draws Strong Community Participation

By Lyndon Taylor
On Saturday, June 22nd, the Annual One Brooklyn Health Fair transformed the community into a hub of health and wellness, as residents flocked in large numbers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, the event marked a significant milestone for health engagement in the borough, with a primary focus on providing essential health screenings and educational resources to attendees.

The fair, a flagship initiative by One Brooklyn Health, featured a spectrum of health services to enhance community well-being. Among the most popular offerings were free blood pressure checks, where medical professionals provided personalized insights and advice. Participants also took advantage of various other health assessments and consultations, ensuring they received comprehensive care in a convenient setting.

Sandra Scott, Interim CEO of One Brooklyn Health, underscored the event’s importance, stating, “This annual fair is not just about medical check-ups; it’s a vital opportunity for our staff to directly engage with the community we serve. It allows us to build relationships, foster trust, and empower residents to take charge of their health.”

Beyond screenings, the fair boasted interactive booths and informational sessions covering diverse health topics such as nutrition, mental health awareness, and preventive care strategies. Local organizations and partners joined forces with One Brooklyn Health to offer insights and resources, further enriching the event’s impact.

For many attendees, the fair was more than just a health check-up; it was a community gathering that promoted a proactive approach to health and provided valuable resources to residents.

Council Member Farah Louis, who represents the 45th District in which the hospital falls, was among the elected representatives in attendance. The Council Member, who is the daughter of a healthcare worker, underscored the importance of such an event to the community.

She indicated that the district has been seeing a spike in diabetes, high blood pressure, and strokes, especially during the pandemic, in addition to mental health episodes due to the loss of family many residents faced. She pointed out that her office has been deploying teams to go out in the community to assist residents in accessing care, noting that her office has also funded a department at Brookdale Hospital to support mental health services.

The Annual One Brooklyn Health Fair provided crucial health screenings, strengthened community bonds, and encouraged ongoing dialogue about health. As it concluded for the year, its impact resonates as a testament to the power of collaborative healthcare initiatives in fostering healthier communities.

With 2024 being an election, we spoke with two seniors about the importance of voting. Olivia Burke of East Flatbush noted that it is very important as that’s when you get to make your choice for a leader who is looking out for your interest.

Gloria Rancine also believes it’s important to vote as that is when residents get an opportunity to decide who is the best candidate to represent them and ensure the community get the necessary services including sanitation, education, skills training, summer programs and a better quality of life.