Community Health Fair at Transit Center

October 27, 2014

As flu-fighting season kicks off, organizations are teaming up to provide health services and vaccines to the public. EMBARK will be hosting a free community health fair this Thursday, October 30 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downtown Transit Center, 420 N.W. 5^th St., Oklahoma City, where the Oklahoma City-County Health Department will be administering flu vaccines.

“With more than 10,000 people using EMBARK buses every day, we thought this would be a great opportunity to help reach a large segment of the population,” said Michael Scroggins, public information officer for EMBARK.

EMBARK is partnering with community organizations to provide Oklahomans with free services such as immunizations, dental screenings, diabetes risk tests, blood pressure checks and other health services.

“We saw this as an opportunity to promote healthy living among our riders and the metro area community by connecting them to health services and screenings,” said Scroggins. “Making these services very convenient for people may mean more people will access the health services and information.”

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department will offer seasonal flu vaccines. Health officials recommend annual flu shots for everyone over six months of age.

The vaccinations will be provided at no charge to individuals or families who qualify through a variety of programs for low income families, seniors and children who have no health insurance. Individuals wanting vaccinations should bring proof of eligibility such as Sooner Care, Medicare, WIC, food stamp benefit or homeless shelter cards or other proof of income.

The health fair is open to the public and will provide a variety of services from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those wanting to attend are encouraged to use public transportation.

Agencies participating in the free health fair include: Neighborhood Services Organization, Oklahoma State Health Department, Oklahoma City-County Health Department, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, Salvation Army, Delta Dental and Transit Advertising, Inc.