In the spirit of the holiday season and the resilience of our communities, the Equality Health Foundation is back with its Annual Healthy Fall Festival, bringing wellness resources and holiday essentials to those who need them most. Set to take place in Texas, Arizona, and Tennessee, these festivals not only provide crucial health services but also honor the tireless efforts of health equity champions working to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities.

This year, the festivals will feature food giveaways, free health screenings, and plenty of opportunities to connect with local resources. For families and individuals navigating financial strains and health disparities, these events offer more than just a handout; they provide a pathway to healthier, more resilient lives.

  

Bringing Wellness and Warmth to Communities Nationwide

Equality Health Foundation’s Healthy Fall Festival is not just a health fair – it’s a celebration of community resilience and support. In cities like Houston, Phoenix, Uvalde, and Kingsport, the Foundation will be giving away 1,000 turkeys and hams to families in need, along with bags filled with fresh produce, health supplies, and other essentials to help families thrive during the holiday season.

Attendees can look forward to free health screenings, including biometric and diabetes tests, and access to immunizations and wellness education sessions. The festivals will also offer a variety of community resources and informative sessions aimed at supporting holistic health. These events, made possible by the generous support of sponsors such as Mercy Care, Superior HealthPlan, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, reflect a collective commitment to health equity and community empowerment.

Here’s the schedule for this year’s Healthy Fall Festival events:

Uvalde, TX – Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Uvalde County Fairplex

Phoenix, AZ – Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Percy L. Julian School

Houston, TX – Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., M.O. Campbell Center

Kingsport, TN – Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee

The Tennessee festival will adopt a drive-thru model, making it easier for residents affected by Hurricane Helene to access much-needed resources. Volunteers from Second Harvest Food Bank will be on-site, distributing turkeys, food boxes, and wellness kits to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families without transportation.

 

Honoring the Health Equity Champions of 2024

Beyond food and screenings, the Foundation will celebrate four outstanding Health Equity Champions who have dedicated themselves to fostering health equity in their communities. These champions represent the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and dedication to addressing health disparities, each in their unique way:

Healthcare Champion – Copa Health, AZ: Led by Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper, Copa Health has made impressive strides in offering whole-person care to underserved populations, particularly those with intellectual developmental, and mental health challenges.

Community Champion – Community Health Development Incorporated (CHDI), TX: Under the leadership of Mayela Castañon, CHDI has been instrumental in supporting the Uvalde community, especially after the tragic school shooting. CHDI’s culturally informed health programs have been a beacon of hope and healing for those in need.

Education Champion – Arizona Community Health Workers Association (AzCHOW), AZ: Floribella Redondo and her team have advanced health equity by educating and training community health workers to serve Arizona’s culturally diverse populations. Through this work, AzCHOW has raised awareness and developed impactful community health initiatives.

  

Business Champion – Highlands Physicians, Inc. & Healthy Kingsport, TN: Victoria Blanken, Desteny Clemons, and Vanessa Bennett have built partnerships that promote health and wellness in schools, workplaces, and the broader community. Their “Small Starts” initiative encourages every individual to take small but meaningful steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

“These individuals and organizations have shown what it truly means to uplift communities and foster inclusive, whole-person care,” said Frank Placenti, Equality Health Foundation Board Chairperson. “They inspire us all to strive for a more just society, where every individual can access the resources they need for a healthy life.”

More Than a Festival – A Commitment to Health Equity

Equality Health Foundation’s Healthy Fall Festival is more than just an annual event; it’s a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers and expanding access to healthcare for marginalized communities. Through these gatherings, the Foundation reinforces its mission to advance health equity and improve lives by bringing culturally competent, whole-person care to all.

This holiday season, as Houston and communities across the nation come together, the Foundation’s festivals remind us that health is not just the absence of illness – it’s the presence of connection, support, and hope. From free screenings to holiday meals, these events provide a foundation of resilience, giving every attendee the resources to enter the new year stronger and healthier.

For more information on attending or supporting the Equality Health Foundation’s Annual Healthy Fall Festival, visit equalityhealthfoundation.org/festival