Chicago Family Health Center participates in annual “National Health Center Week” celebration

July 14, 2006

CFHC to host health fairs focusing on health screenings for everyone

Chicago Family Health Center (CFHC) will participate in the nation’s annual “National Health Center Week 2006” at our South Chicago Clinic located at 9119 South Exchange by hosting “Back to School” Health Fair on Saturday, August 5, 2006, beginning at 9 a.m. As part of the annual event, Chicago Family Health Center will provide 100 free school physicals to school-aged children, as well as vision screenings and needed immunizations.

“Our Back to School Health Fair is an important community event,” says Wendy Cox, CEO of Chicago Family Health Center. “This health fair provides the appropriate physicals and immunizations to ensure that children can attend the first day of school.”

Children needing immunizations will need to bring an updated immunization card in order to receive their immunizations. “The immunization card will help us determine which shots are required for each child,” Cox said. The fair will be held at the Clinic and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment is necessary to participate.

National Health Center Week 2006 (August 6–12, 2006) honors the nation’s community, migrant and homeless health centers in recognition of providing high-quality, primary health care to the medically underserved. Federal, state and local officials will honor the Nation’s Community Health Centers as part of Events marking “National Health Center Week,” including health fairs, press conferences, and visits by local, state, and national leaders to health centers around the country. Members of Congress have also introduced legislation to formally recognize National Health Center Week in both the House and the Senate.

Chicago Family Health Center, serving the communities of the South and Southeast Chicago, will observe the week by holding Health Awareness Days at each of the clinic’s three locations. On Monday, August 7, 2006, CFHC will be providing school physicals and screenings at its newest clinic located at 45 W. 111th Street, on the second floor of the Roseland Community Hospital. On Thursday, August 10, 2006, CFHC will be holding its Health Awareness Day for the South Chicago clinic, located at 9119 S. Exchange Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During that time, the community is invited to share in the festivities and learn more about health center programs that expand access to affordable health care and promote health and prevention. The week will conclude with a Health Awareness Day at the Pullman clinic, 556 E. 115th Street.

“Each day we will focus in one clinic location by providing screenings and educational material on specific health issues that effect the community,” says Cox. “Our goal is to educate the community about the health issues that can affect their quality of life and to provide access to the necessary primary care services that the community desperately needs.”

Chicago Family Health Center is a community-based, non-profit health center that provides comprehensive, accessible primary health care to the residents of South Chicago, Roseland and surrounding communities. In 2005, CFHC served over 17,000 patients regardless of their ability to pay.

For more information on the Health Fair, call the Clinic at 773-768-5000 extension 1004.