Senator Comrie, Community Board 12 and Christ Church International Ministries Host Care Expo for Jamaica

Community Health Fair What the Doctor Ordered 

 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: words to live by for those hundreds that flocked to Community Board 12’s first annual Health Fair yesterday, February 19th, 2015, in Jamaica, Queens. The inaugural health fair, offering screenings, services and advice from local health providers, was held at Christ Church International Ministries, and sponsored by Queens Community Board 12, State Senator Leroy G. Comrie (D-Hollis), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica), Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Council Members I. Daneek Miller (D-Jamaica), Ruben Wills (D-Ozone Park) and Rory I. Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) and Pathmark Supermarket.
 
Local health care professionals offered community members access to extensive medical services, administering blood pressure, glaucoma, hearing and eye tests and providing critical screenings for breast cancer, asthma and diabetes to participants of varying ages.  Professionals also provided counseling on healthy eating options, low cost health plans, and a number of medical conditions. 
 
Senator Comrie, whose mother recently succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of ninety-five, impressed the importance preventative care plays in a long, fulfilling life: "Although my heart is heavy from the weight of my mother's loss, I take comfort in offering members of the community I hold dear the opportunity to receive critically important screenings and services. My mother was able to survive beast cancer thirty years prior to her passing through seeking quality care and taking preventative measures seriously," said Senator Comrie. "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 Community Board 12, Christ Church International, and all our participating health care providers for giving our families that chance."
 
Adrienne Adams, Chairperson of Community Board 12, celebrated the fair: "I am very excited and proud that the vision of a Community Board 12 Health Fair has become a reality. This unprecedented event is comprised of over 25 partners in the fields of: medical, dental, vision, holistic wellness, personal fitness, mental health, hygiene and nutrition. The Health Fair will include a panel discussion on community concerns led by Senior Citizens. Various city agencies, youth and local officials will also be represented. We are grateful to Christ Church International Ministries and Bishop Joseph Williams for hosting this great event, and the many local elected officials who generously supported this effort. I am especially thankful to my Senior Citizens and Health Committee under the leadership of Chairperson Carol Hunt, and Community 12 Board member, Ms. Celeste James for her hands on leadership of this project."
 
"One of the greatest responsibilities we owe to ourselves, our families, and our communities is keeping an eye on our health by obtaining regular and recommended health screenings and services from healthcare providers," said Congressman Meeks. "I am proud to support the Health Start 2015 Health Fair with State Senator Leroy Comrie, and other local elected officials, which will offer a host of screenings and service opportunities for local residents. I encourage all my constituents to participate so that they can continue to lead happy and healthy lives."
 
“Regular health screenings are key to preventative care and early detection,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “Congratulations to the coalition of sponsors and government agencies led by Senator Comrie for launching this valuable health fair for families and the community.  Additional thanks to the partners, including Christ Church International Ministries, Community Board 12 and the numerous elected officials.”
 
“We have issued a challenge to make Southeast Queens the healthiest community in the city and today’s health fair is consistent with that vision," said Council Member Miller. "I applaud State Senator Comrie for his efforts to offer health screenings and services to members of our local community and am proud to be a partner on this important initiative.” 
 
“I commend Christ Church International Ministries’ Ministry of Information and Community Board 12 for hosting this Health Fair, as well as our federal, state and city elected officials for coming together on such an important endeavor to tackle health issues in our community," Council Member Wills stated. "This event will offer an array of preventative services such as free screenings for breast cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, and asthma as well as free flu shots and tips on adopting healthy eating options. I am proud to be a part of any effort that improves the wellbeing and health of our community.”
 
I am delighted to be co-sponsoring the Queens Community Heath Fair," said Council Member Lancman. "Having access to healthcare screening and advice from healthcare professionals is exceedingly important and I am proud to join my colleagues in bringing these services to Queens."
 
The fair boasted over twenty-five vendors from local, city and state groups, including NYC’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Aging, and Family Justice.

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