New Bedford Community Health Center Hosting Health Fair Aug. 10

The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center has been serving area residents for more than 40 years, but according to its Chief Executive Officer, many people who have lived here for years have no idea the Health Center exists.

Outreach is important, and that's why center staff is celebrating National Health Center Week by staging the We Care Health Fair on Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CEO Cheryl Bartlett joined Townsquare Sunday to preview the Health Fair and the latest news about the Community Health Center.

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"We here in New Bedford serve about 23,000 patients, with almost 90,000 visits per year," Bartlett said. "We provide primary care, Women, Infant and Children (WIC) services, dental care and behavioral health."

The Community Health Center employees number 335, mostly full time.

Bartlett said the Health Fair on August 10 is free and will focus on what's called "health disparities."

"Sadly, minority populations have much higher incidents of diseases, so we want to educate and make people aware of these disparities, and learn about what types of services and prevention we can offer," she said.

Those who attend the health fair can receive free health screenings and health and wellness information, and take part in various family-friendly activities. Bartlett said 20 vendors will be present, passing on information about MassHealth enrollment, emergency preparedness, education and mental health resources.

There will also be backpack giveaways (filled with school supplies), raffle prizes, snacks and more.

The free We Care Health Fair will take place at 399 Acushnet Avenue, at the rear of the Community Health Center, and all are invited.

Bartlett also shared some other Health Center news: the Center is looking to expand its hours into the early evening, probably in the fall, and the Center has recently purchased the entire block on Purchase Street, from Elm to William Street, with an eye toward expanding its services.

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