Herminia Palacio, MD, M.P.H. Executive Director	Public Health & Environmental Services 2223 West Loop South Houston, Texas 77027		Phone: (713) 439-6000 Fax: (713) 439-6080

 

May 6, 2003

 

For immediate release                                                                                 Contact:        Rita Obey

                                                                                                                               (713)439-6293

                                                                                                                               Joyce Osborne

                                                                                                                               281-427-5195

                                                                                                                             Deputy Bumpers

                                                                                                                               281-843-4047

 

Harris County Sponsors Community Health & Safety Fair

 

Free food, free health screenings, door prizes, a moonwalk for the kids, music and entertainment!  There will definitely be lots of fun in your neighborhood this weekend!  These can’t-miss festivities will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2003, from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Storefront Office of Harris County Sheriff’s Department located at 610 South Main in the Highlands.

In an effort to increase health and safety awareness, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) and Harris County Sheriff’s Department (HCSD) have partnered with area agencies to bring the 1^st East Harris County Health and Safety Fair to the Highlands.  By providing access to various services, HCPHES and HCSD hope residents will be motivated to make positive behavior changes in their lifestyles.

Some of the screenings that will be available are hearing, vision, dental, childhood lead poisoning, HIV/STD, cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure.  Representatives will also be available to discuss WIC, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Social Security Benefits and health insurance questions.  Keeping in mind that our safety is as important as our health, there will also be information booths on crime prevention; emergency service for seniors, gun violence prevention, pollution prevention, water rescue and recovery, domestic violence and rape defense.

Immunizations are our first line of defense against infectious diseases. Therefore, immunizations will be provided on a sliding cost scale.  However, no one will be turned away because of inability to pay.  Parents or guardians must be present when children get their shots, must bring all of the child’s shot records and their Medicaid card, if they have one.

If you have any questions about the Health and Safety Fair, please call Joyce Osborne (281-427-5195) or Deputy Bumpers (281-843-4047).