Huntsville partners with non-profits for annual health and wellness fair

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — The city of Huntsville teamed up with area non-profits for the annual North Alabama Health and Wellness Fair, an annual effort providing a space full of resources to promote a healthier city.

Calhoun Community College’s Huntsville campus was the sight of this year’s event that saw dozens show up Saturday to take advantage of a free event with lots to offer.

From blood pressure checks and health screenings, organizers like Kenny Anderson, the city of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director, said it’s provided an impact on the community over its 20-year existence.

“Many years ago, we had a man come to the health and wellness fair and he just wanted to see what was going on,” Anderson said. “He sat down, had his blood pressure checked. His blood pressure was elevated, and as a consequence of that, he had a referral to go see a doctor at that time because of that. That might’ve saved his life.”

Learning how to live well, maintain a healthy mental state and practice healthy habits is a vital part of the event.

Each year, non-profit organizations like The Links Incorporated and The 100 Black Men Greater Huntsville chapters help bring all of the health-related resources under a single roof.

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“It’s all about collaboration, getting together and making sure the community is informed,” said Links’ Huntsville Chapter President Richele Jordan-Davis. “The more active you are in life the chances of getting diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, all those things that affect our communities by getting active you are less inclined to visit the doctor more often.”

News 19’s Darryl Burke got a blood pressure check at the event Saturday and found out it was low, but that’s why event organizers say coming to health fairs is important.

“We’re giving back to the community. That’s what we’re here for. To serve, not to be served but to serve,” said The 100 Black Men Greater Huntsville Chapter Vice President James Lee Matheson Jr. “In order for us to do that you have to get out where the people are at. Help bring them in so we could share those resources to help make our community a better place to live.”

If you missed this year’s fair, organizers encourage community members to take advantage of the free event when it returns next year.

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