Planning is well under way for “The Walk of Life” Health Fair, a fifth annual event sponsored by 100 Black Men of Bradley County. It is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1, at Bradley Square Mall.
Healthcare providers will join vendors in the medical and pharmaceutical industry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to offer an array of information and health screenings, according to Jonathan Porter, 100 BMBC president.
A news release forwarded by Rasharon M. King points out the event is not only about health, but entertainment as well. Throughout the Health Fair, local talents will be featured on the mall’s public stage, according to organization spokespersons.
“The Health Fair will spotlight area health care providers and vendors in the medical and pharmaceutical industry,” the media statement cites. “It is also an opportunity to present health information and take advantage of screenings, and is an effort to help participants possibly identify health care concerns and aid in reducing health care disparities.”
The community-popular event is free and open to the public.
“The Health Fair has become one of the cornerstones of our organization,” Porter said. “Health and wellness have become one of our key components.”
The 100 BMBC group keys four primary objectives — mentoring, education, economic empowerment, and health and wellness, Porter said.
The people-first group, whose work began 17 years ago with mentoring at-risk children and becoming a key source of scholarships, has branched out into several components beyond just the educational aspect.
“Since its inception in 1994, the 100 Black Men of Bradley County organization has prided itself in mentoring numerous young men and women, and has distributed over a half-million dollars in scholarship money to deserving area high school students,” Porter explained in the release. “Five years ago, the mission was expanded with the start of the Health Fair.”
The organization’s president pointed to the importance of the annual October campaign in promoting health awareness — not just to any single group or individuals, but to the community as a whole.
“This was a way for the organization to begin addressing the health needs and concerns of individuals in the Cleveland and Bradley County community,” he said.
Health screenings and information booths will be available in a variety of key areas. Some include asthma/spirometry, blood pressure, breast model, bone scans, cigarette smoking, circulation exam, dental exam, health mini-lecture, HIV/AIDS screening, mental health, nutrition education, prostate model, vision and hearing screening and weight management.
The event also will include Bradley County voter registration.
During the mall event, donations will be accepted in order to be eligible for a community drawing for a 42-inch flat screen TV. Proceeds from vendor sponsorships and donations will go toward the organization’s scholarship program.
Information about the event, or about any component of 100 BMBC’s community work, may be obtained by contacting Porter at 423-596-0740 or send an email to president.100bmbc@yahoo.com. Information may also be obtained by contacting Oscar Kelly at 423-479-6271.
