Regular health screenings are a crucial preventive measure, yet only one in four Americans undergo an annual check-up. In response, Austin Public Health (APH) Health Equity Unit and Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) are hosting Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day 2024 on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parque Zaragosa Neighborhood Park.
“Regular health screenings play an important role to prevent disease and support overall health, but too many of our friends and loved ones skip their regular check-ups,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “This event brings together a variety of community resources to help people better understand the importance of screenings and get connected to community resources that can help kick off a new habit of getting regular check-ups and preventative care.”
The annual Take a Loved One (TALO) event aims to strengthen relationships with African American communities and other marginalized groups in Austin-Travis County. It addresses persistent health disparities affecting Black and Hispanic residents.
According to the 2023 Critical Health Indicators Report from APH, significant disparities in health outcomes persist. The mortality rate from heart disease among Black residents is 57 percent higher than that of white residents, while the cancer mortality rate is 34 percent higher for Black individuals compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, Black and Hispanic residents are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as white residents, with Black individuals almost three times more likely to die from diabetes-related complications.
This event is one of three held annually to highlight these issues, promote health equity, and encourage proactive health management within the community.
The free event will include:
- Health screenings such as blood sugar and cholesterol checks
- Vaccinations
- Valuable health information
- Live entertainment
- Door prizes
- Backpacks and school supplies
Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day encourages individuals to take charge of their own health while assisting loved ones in doing the same by visiting healthcare professionals or attending community health events.
In 2023, APH and PARD resumed Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day after its hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s event saw attendance from 201 people with vaccinations provided to 50 families.
Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day focuses on helping underserved communities access necessary healthcare services. The campaign emphasizes prevention and early detection across all racial and ethnic groups by encouraging visits to healthcare professionals for regular check-ups.