The Brentwood Health Organization (BHO), a ministry outreach of the Brentwood Church of Christ, held its first Community Health Fair on Saturday, October 6, 2012.
An array of health and social service organizations were on hand to provide resources and services.
Available screenings included blood pressure checks from Columbia St. Mary’s/ Sandford Brown students and flu shots from Walgreens (91st Good Hope location). Dental care information was provided by The Center for Exceptional Dentistry. In addition to providing resource information, Salvation Army’s mascot was a huge hit at the event.
“Providing events such as this allows us the opportunity to put our faith into action,” stated BHO Executive Director Phyllis Mills. “Jesus met the physical needs of people in addition to their spiritual need.” Governing Board Director Clarene Mitchell added, “Communities of color suffer disproportionately from almost every health issue. It is imperative that more attention is brought on these disparities, more resources and access to care need to be provided.”
In addition to the health fair, BHO provides health education programs throughout the year.
Healthcare Without Walls is BHO’s theme. They put this into action on the Saturday prior to the event by going outside the physical walls of the church to do door-todoor canvassing in the area surrounding the church. BHO governing and executive board members talked with neighbors about the community health fair and passed out flyers.
Over 600 flyers were distributed on that day.
(Photos by Robert Bell)