Community Health and Wellness Draws Hundreds of Local Residents to Promote Preventative Care in Southeast Queens

(Springfield Gardens, NY) This Saturday, June 18th 2015, Senator Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) was proud to join the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Apostolic, located at 130-08 Springfield Blvd, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413, in administering a Community Health and Wellness Fair for local residents. The health fair, which partnered with 26 health organization and was attended by over two hundred residents, was sponsored by HealthFirst, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, the Spine Center, Coalition on Positive Health Empowerment, CenterLight Health Systems and the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS.

The purpose of the health fair was to offer services to those without regular access to medical care, as well as those whose busy lives keep them from regular screenings. In Southeast Queens, most premature death occurs due to cancer and heart disease. Twenty-one percent of Jamaica residents do not have a regular primary care physician, and the area ranks 32nd among 42 New York City neighborhoods in its rate of avoidable hospitalizations.

Participants had the opportunity to attend informational seminars and get tested for prostate cancer and diabetes. Professionals were on-site to administer free blood pressure and hearing screenings, nutritional facts and tips, and hands-on CPR demonstrations. Doctors were available for questions and examinations. Sessions also helped participants identify signs of a stroke for early interception, how to protect kidneys from damage, and facts and misconceptions regarding mental health. A zumba instructor lead a class at the conclusion of the fair to promote regular exercise while having fun.

For children, the fair offered free face-painting and Photo I.D.s, the latter of which helps children be identified in the case of an emergency.

Senator Comrie impressed the importance preventative care plays in a long, fulfilling life: "This Health Fair is an chance for South Queens to think and act sustainably: to give ourselves, our loved ones and our community the opportunity to lead healthy lives. I commend the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Apostolic and all our participating health care providers for giving our families that chance."

CenterLight, a vendor at the health fair, celebrated the opportunity to offer services to residents: "Beyond providing the highest quality of care to our members and patients, CenterLight is committed to being a good neighbor and giving back to the communities we serve," said Jackie Kennedy-Saddler, Vice President of CenterLight's Government & Community Relations. "So we were very excited to take part in this wonderful event to help promote health and wellness within Jamaica community.”

Senator Comrie's office is also sponsoring a health fair in Laurelton on Saturday, July 25, at the Laurelton Playground, located on Brookville Blvd. between 136 and 137th Avenues.

###