Festival opens health care to the community

Hundreds of people descended upon the Glendale Civic Auditorium for a health event this weekend, seizing the opportunity to receive free screenings, check-ups and flu shots.

Saturday marked the return of the fifth annual Glendale Health Festival, a community service event hosted by the Armenian American Medical Society. What started out as a small health clinic at a local church has turned into an annual event that many depend on to receive CPR training, blood pressure checks and even cancer exams.

Those with and without insurance were welcomed.

The event drew dozens of staff, nurses and doctors with an eagerness to help visitors and answer questions. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) reminded attendees of the goal for the day: prevention.

“You’re doing your part, so thank you,” Gatto said. “Healthcare and getting sick can be stressful to you, your family and your pocketbook.”

Each year, the event has drawn up to 2,000 children and adults, and that turnout was expected again Saturday, said Serineh Melidonian, president of the medical society and an emergency-room physician at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

“The reality is there’s limited access to healthcare, even with the Affordable Care Act helping,” Melidonian said. “This is an amazing luxury that not every community puts on.”

The health festival took over the auditorium’s two floors with around 100 businesses, practices and vendors offering services. Dentists gave oral exams behind curtains. Nutritionists used plastic fruits to teach basics of healthy eating. A line of adults and children formed a queue at the flu vaccination table provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

In line stood 63-year-old Myrna Lao of Eagle Rock. Her husband of 42 years, Modesto Lao, waited next to her. It was the couple’s first time attending the festival. Although Lao collects a Social Security check, the payments aren’t enough sometimes for health needs.

“It can be hard to afford things,” Lao said. She was one of the 300 adults and children who received a flu shot Saturday.

She didn’t flinch as Garin Ohannessian, the county’s public health nursing supervisor, gave Lao the shot.

“I’m very thankful for this. It’s friendly and free,” Lao said.

After Lao secured her Band-Aid, Ohannessian thought back on the years she’s volunteered at the event. She’s met attendees who revealed worries about going to doctor offices.

“Some people look forward to this all year. It’s a one-stop shop,” Ohannessian said.

Lao showed a timid smile to Ohannessian as she walked away. Lao said that if she had enough time, she and her husband would also get their cholesterol and eyes checked.

“Personally, this is exactly why I became a nurse,” Ohannessian said after giving Lao a fact sheet on the flu. “When you do for one, it edifies everything.”