NJ block party aims to address health disparities in Caribbean, Latino communities

NUTLEY, N.J. (PIX11) — Hackensack Meridian Health hosted a lively block party and health fair Saturday aimed at addressing health disparities in Caribbean and Latino communities.

Organizers said the event’s primary goal is to promote early detection within the Caribbean and Latino populations — communities that are often underserved in health care.

“We want to make sure that if people don’t have insurance or can’t get to a regular scheduled appointment Monday through Friday, 9 [a.m.] to 5 [p.m.], that we provided a resource so that they can come out,” said Elan Shoulders, of Hackensack Meridian Health.

Attendees had access to an array of health assessments, including blood pressure monitoring and breast and prostate cancer screenings. Juan Grillo came from Teaneck, New Jersey to get screened at an onsite mobile testing unit.

“It’s free and a lot of people is looking for that,” Grillo said. “Sometimes we don’t have money to cover all this and it’s really, really necessary for people to get the information.”

The fair brought services directly to the community in a fun and engaging way in an effort to reduce barriers and encourage proactive health management.

“If we can educate people about how important it is to get that early screening and that early detection, we can treat them and we can save lives,” said Dr. Lisa Carter-Bawa of Hackensack Meridian Health. Organizers said more than a hundred people turned out at the health fair.

They’re now looking forward to their next big event taking place this fall, which will focus on men’s health.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.