INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The 2024 Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair is underway.
This is a four-day free health clinic that is expected to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of Indianapolis’ Black and minority communities, providing a wealth of health screenings, resources and important health information, valued at over $4,000, all at no cost to you.
“We keep saying free, free, free, but it’s not often you get $4,000 worth of stuff for free all at once,” said Antoinette Holt, director of Minority Health.The 38th annual Black and Minority Health Fair aims to address persistent health disparities and promote wellness by offering a variety of free health screenings.
“We do everything from lipid panels to A1C and, for men, PSA,” Holt said, “as well as vision, dental and mental health checks.”
Other screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, as well as discussions about various illnesses and mental health.
“Women have a lot of changes and challenges, so we have a vitiligo treatment group here to educate people,” Holt said.
The Indiana State Department of Health hopes to attract thousands of people over the course of the four-day event.
“Over the years, the typical case count we’ve seen is over 14,000 cases over a four-day period,” Holt said.
Participants will have access to a wide range of healthcare resources, including expert advice on preventive care and important tools to promote long-term health.
“When we go to underserved communities, we often encounter people who haven’t seen a doctor in 10 or 15 years. They let their illness go untreated and end up in the hospital or it may be too late,” said Duane Reade, social director of national advocacy and health equity at Johnson & Johnson.
The goal is to foster a culture of proactive health care for Indiana residents.
“Everyone is welcome, but we want to make sure we’re catering to marginalized and underserved populations,” Held said, “those who need the most help with chronic and infectious diseases.”
The Indiana State Black Minority Fair will be held as follows:
- June 27th (Thursday) 4pm – 8pm
- Friday, June 28th, 1pm – 7pm
- June 29th (Sat) 10:00am-8:00pm
- Sunday, June 30 | 12pm – 6pm
