TEANECK, N.J.—In recognition of Black History Month, Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck recently hosted a festival and health fair.
The event, a day of free health screenings and presentations, was titled “Living Your Best Life.” It was free and open to the public, with a major focus on medical issues that affect the African American community.
“It is really important to address specific health needs of different cultures, so in addition to today’s focus on the African American community, during the year, we also hold Heath Services programs for the Asian and Hispanic communities,” said Hilda Ventimiglia, a resident nurse and the hospital’s director of community education, who organized the event.
The educational and entertaining day of wellness was attended by over 400 people from Teaneck and surrounding towns.
As visitors entered the hospital’s main building, they were greeted by cheerful young volunteers, students who were earning school credit.
Throughout the day, visitors—including special guests state Assemblyman Gordon Johnson and Freeholder David Ganz—strolled through the festive surroundings, taking in all the opportunities for screenings and information. They received free blood work, blood pressure tests, family planning, counseling, body mass index measurements, bone density tests, diabetic risk assessments and advice from the attending doctors and health care workers.
Throughout the conference room, there was a huge array of tables set up with experts and equipment to teach people about wellness. There were booths staffed by the event sponsors as well as the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, Mocha Moms, and many other organizations.
The major sponsors of the Black History Festival and Health Fair were the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Bergen County, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Iota Epsilon Omega Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Bergen County Alumnae Chapter, Links Bergen County Chapter, Black Health Matters and the Reggie Pittman Band.
Jeff Carter, NAACP Bergen County president, remarked, “This event saves lives, and this year, we are also focusing on the census and voter registration.”
As such, there were many handouts and members at the NAACP table to interact with visitors about these issues.
A highlight of the day was the host of meet and greets and lectures by physicians Robert Adair, MD, nephrologist Clenton Coleman, MD, hematologist/oncologist Yadyra Rivera, MD, and Uterine Fibroids and Cervical Cancer expert Neelangani DeSoyza, MD.
During breakout sessions, topics discussed were diseases and conditions specific to the African American community, such as sickle cell anemia, kidney and uterine fibroids and anemia hypertension.
Looking over the crowd of enthused attendees, Dr. Adair said, “There are many health care benefits that people can take advantage of here today. By hosting this health fair, we let people know that Holy Name Hospital is in the forefront of providing health care for the community. Nowadays, there are fewer free clinics and people go to the internet where there is a lot of online material, some of which is misinformation. So, it’s important for people to meet with doctors and health care professionals on a one-on-one basis.”
Geneva Warrick, 85, a prominent Englewood resident, was one of the many visitors who took advantage of this opportunity. With a broad smile, she said, “I’m here to make sure that my health is up to par, and I’m checking everything. So far, so good!”
Culinary health was also on display. People enjoyed a buffet of delicious as well as nutritious health foods, such as baked chicken, salmon, black eyed peas, salads, pasta, sweet potatoes, collard greens, fresh fruit and tempting low calorie desserts.
Throughout the event, there was lively music provided by Reggie Pittman and his New York City Love & Soul Band. The group inspired people of all ages, even children, to dance and enjoy the day.
When the Festival and Health Fair concluded, Ventimiglia and the hospital staff were pleased that they had successfully achieved their goal, as voiced by Dr. Ryan Bauer and his wife Dr. Marsha Thornhill-Bauer.
“We want the African American community to know what resources are available to them and Holy Name Hospital is here to help them,” said Bauer. “This will make their lives better and fuller!”