Screenings at the Hispanic Health Fair include eye checks, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and stroke assessment.

The Hispanic Health Fair, co-sponsored by INTEGRIS Health and the American Red Cross, has been going strong for 18 years. The annual Hispanic Health Fair will be held on April 29, 2006 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Oklahoma City Community College located at 7777 S. May in Oklahoma City.

Approximately 1,500 Hispanics in the Oklahoma City area attended last year’s event, where they were offered resources on health and wellness, safety and security, and a variety of health screenings. More than 80 booths were featured that offered participants new and useful information and resources to improve lives, minds and bodies. All materials were presented in both English and Spanish.

The health of the entire family has always been the focus of the Hispanic Health Fair. Last year, the INTEGRIS Third Age Life Center provided seniors with new options for activities and interaction, the State Department of Health provided child immunizations, and the Oklahoma City Police and Sheriff’s Departments presented ideas on family safety. Blood pressure, cholesterol, stroke, diabetes and scoliosis screenings were provided by INTEGRIS Health. Area merchants specializing in insurance, higher education, real estate, public assistance, business/economic development, banking, long-term care, child care, physical fitness and senior services also provided valuable information to our area’s Hispanic residents.

Maria Aymat-Ghigliotty, coordinator of the Hispanic Initiative for INTEGRIS Health, has been involved with the Hispanic Health Fair since its inaugural year. Maria reports that throughout the years, more and more agencies want to participate in the health fair and reach out to Hispanics in this community. Maria notes the growing numbers of Hispanics in the community and the increasing need to embrace them and provide them with health information.

The Hispanic Health Fair has impacted thousands of Hispanics in the Oklahoma City area for nearly two decades. This year will be no different. Screenings include eye checks, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and stroke assessment. Cancer checks will include oral, skin, prostate, and clinical breast exams. Home colo-rectal kits will also be available.