On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the Community Hero Action Group hosted a vibrant and impactful health fair at Sandy Hill Terrace Apartments in Norristown, PA. This event was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of health, wellness, and the power of community. With the sun shining down and the spirit of togetherness in the air, residents of all ages and backgrounds came together for a day filled with learning, fun, and connection.

Event Highlights

Supporting Education: School Bags and Supplies for Students

We were thrilled to distribute 150 bookbags and essential supplies to students preparing for the upcoming school year from seven surrounding zipcodes (19401, 19977, 19104, 19802,19702,19010, and 19407).   We sincerely hope that we have given a boost to children in th community by making sure they are well-equipped for success in the classroom for the 2024 school year.  We also want to pay special thanks to Health Plan Partners  for their in-kind donation to help us even support more students this upcoming year.  Every little bit helps!

Vaccines
Definitely inline with National Immunization Month,  attendees had the opportunity to receive vaccines from Giant Pharmacy, a fantastic, standing partner of the organization. As we move into the fall, now known as Respiratory Illness Season, the event also highlighted the importance of vaccination. Four vaccines were available to help prevent severe respiratory illnesses—Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Pneumonia. Attendees were encouraged to bring their medical and prescription insurance cards to determine eligibility, with most immunizations having a zero out-of-pocket patient copay.  

Community Resources
The event was a hub of valuable information, with numerous local organizations offering resources and services to support the well-being of our community. Attendees were able to connect with these groups and discover the assistance available right in their neighborhood.  We even had Norristown Fire join the party!  The kids (and adults) had a blast posing and walking away with their fire hats.

Entertainment
The day wasn’t just about wellness—it was also a celebration of community spirit!  The sound of live music filled the air, thanks to Key Arts Productions. Seniors from the building could be seen tapping their feet and clapping along to the music, with some even joining in on the dance floor. The joyful atmosphere was contagious, as families gathered around to watch performances and children enjoyed the lively activities.

Voter Registration Assistance
In addition to health and wellness, civic engagement was a key focus. The NAACP Norristown Branch assisted attendees  with voter registration, checking their registration status, and verifying polling locations. We also encouraged everyone to create a voting day plan, empowering them to make their voices heard.

Free Food and Giveaways
No community event is complete without delicious food, and our Health Fair was no exception. Attendees enjoyed free hotdogs, burgers all while engaging in conversations with neighbors and making new friends.  A Visa Gift Card and Gas Card were given out to a couple of smiling, lucky folks!

IMPACT

One of the standout moments was hearing from the recipients of our EXCEL program ( a program goal to increase the pipeline of culturally competent healthcare professionals).   These individuals shared how the program has made a real difference in their lives. The testimonials highlighted how this financial support helped them advance their careers in mental health, obtain crucial certifications, and access valuable professional resources. Their stories were both inspiring and a testament to the impact our community support can have.  With over $15,000 given out this year alone to support certification costs, prep courses, and memberships in professional organizations, the EXCEL program has been a game-changer. 

So Fresh and So Clean

One of the big hits was the free haircuts we offered. Watching kids get their hair done and leave with big smiles on their faces was priceless. It was more than just a haircut—it was a boost of confidence and a little bit of joy for them. 

Community Response: Eager for More!

The positive feedback from attendees was overwhelming. Throughout the day, we were consistently asked when we would be back for another event. The enthusiasm and appreciation for the Health Fair underscored its impact and the community’s desire for more opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

We want to thank norristownlocal.com for helping us to get the word out.  Ms. Rene’e Muchison, Social Service Coordinator at Sandy Hill was an absolutely fantastic, energetic host and we are so appreciative of her inspiration and support of the event.  The Health Fair at Sandy Hill Terrace was a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared goal of improving health and wellness. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members who made this event such a success.  If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry—there are more events and opportunities on the horizon. Stay tuned, stay healthy, and remember: together, we can build a stronger, healthier community.

Civil Engineering