Church to Offer Free Health Screenings

To increase awareness of diseases that disproportionately affect minorities, the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ on Saturday will offer free health screenings at its second annual health fair.

Health-care experts from several organizations will provide immunizations, mammograms and pelvic examinations, among other services, at the daylong fair, said Sandra Crouch, the church’s assistant pastor and event organizer.

Special emphasis will be placed on testing for HIV, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, Crouch said, because those conditions pose a particular health threat to African Americans and Latinos, groups the church primarily serves.

“Health screenings provide greater health education and help to promote disease prevention by detecting diseases in their early stages,” Crouch said.

“Early detection also helps to save lives.”

Among the exhibitors expected to participate in the fair are UCLA’s Iris Cantor Center for Breast Imaging, the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services, Drew University of Medicine and Science, the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross and Valley Community Clinic, Crouch said.

Last year, about 800 community residents took advantage of the free medical services, Crouch said.

To encourage even greater attendance this year, the first 150 families will receive free milk and diapers.

Saturday’s health fair runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the church, 13333 Vaughn St.

For information, call (818) 361-2089 or 361-1087.