The Tribune-Star
INDIANAPOLIS —
Starting today, the Indiana State Department of Health will host the 25th annual INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair and offer more than $1,000 in free health screenings. This event, which again will be in Hall D of the Indiana Convention Center, will run from today through Sunday as part of the Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration in downtown Indianapolis.
The 2010 INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair will kick off with an opening ceremony at 3 p.m. in room 104 at the Indiana Convention Center today with keynote speaker Cristal Thomas, Regional Director, Region V, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Today is “Senior Night” at the Health Fair, and Thomas will focus on health issues affecting Indiana’s seniors. As regional director, Thomas makes recommendations and provides input into HHS policy decisions based upon firsthand knowledge of HHS programs and health care delivery systems.
“This year the Health Fair is celebrating 25 years of service and good health,” said Antoniette Holt, director of the Office of Minority Health at the Indiana State Department of Health. “We are excited to have so many special guests and great events planned for this year’s Health Fair.”
Holt says in addition to Thomas, other notable guests of the Health Fair will R&B artist Angie Stone and Gospel singer Yolanda Adams. In addition, contestants from NBC’s “Biggest Loser,” Cherita and Victoria Andrews, will host an exercise workshop in Hall D on Friday from 3-4 p.m.
According to Holt, there will also be a special performance of the “Laugh 4 Life Benefit Comedy Tour” with comedians Michael Highbaugh, Alex Ortiz, and T.P. Herns at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Madame Walker Theatre with host comedian Doug Williams. A portion of the proceeds from this show will benefit the Rev. Charles Williams Prostate Cancer Mobile Unit. Free tickets are available from the Office of Minority Health on a first come, first served basis by calling (317) 233-7685.
Holt says this year’s Health Fair will again feature more than $1,000 worth of free screenings and testing, including: blood sugar, cholesterol, kidneys, prostate cancer, sickle cell, syphilis, child lead exposure, and adult and child dental screenings. The HIV Pavilion will focus entirely on education and confidential testing.
For more information, go to www.statehealth.in.gov, www.indianablackexpo.com, or call (317) 233-7685. 2010 INShape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair hours are:
Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
