The City of Austin, Austin Public Health (APH), and the Del Valle Independent School District invite the community to the free Fiesta de Salud Health Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary School in Austin.
The annual event aims to encourage healthier lifestyles with a focus on Hispanic culture. The health fair will feature live entertainment, community resources, health screenings, immunizations for both children and adults, and more.
“This health-party makes it easier for the whole family to take the first step in staying healthy by getting up to date on vaccines and basic health checks like blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “We want you to bring your family, friends and coworkers to celebrate wellbeing for free.”
Last year’s event saw participation from 253 individuals who received 129 vaccines, 50 dental exams, and 40 health screenings. Additionally, 125 families were provided with food boxes.
According to the 2023 Critical Health Indicators Report from APH, there are ongoing disparities in health outcomes in Austin-Travis County. Black and Hispanic residents are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to white residents. Furthermore, Black individuals are almost three times more likely to die from diabetes-related complications. They also face a higher risk of mortality from heart disease (57% more likely) and cancer (34% more likely) than white residents.
Fiesta de Salud is one of three annual events designed to address these issues, promote health equity, and encourage proactive health management within the community.
Fiesta de Salud offers free access to vaccines and basic health screenings for all attendees regardless of insurance or citizenship status. The APH teams will provide various vaccinations including influenza (flu), Mpox, pneumococcal vaccine, shingles vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB), hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus (HPV), polio, meningococcal vaccine, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV), Varicella (VAR). Screenings will include vision tests, blood pressure checks, A1C tests for hemoglobin levels, blood sugar screenings requiring fasting two hours prior for glucose tests and eight hours prior for cholesterol tests.
Vaccines and screenings will be available on a first-come-first-served basis due to limited availability.
Entertainment at the fiesta includes performances by Maricruz Ballet Folklórico; Danza Azteca Guadalupana de Austin; Golden Aces line dance; Elena's Fiestas-Peru; along with treats such as paletas, aquas frescas, fruit cups and pan dulce. Family-friendly activities include a bounce house; face painting; balloon twisting; an appearance by the Austin Fire Department Engine with a Fire Safety Trailer; Lotería/bingo games; door prizes including bicycles sponsored by The Yellow Bike Project; food boxes among other attractions.
Parking is available on-site. Interpretation services along with American Sign Language (ASL) assistance will be provided.
For further information visit austintexas.gov/fiestadesalud2024 or call 512-972-5560.