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Health Fair In Newark Gets Boost From NJ Assemblywoman, Councilwoman

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Newark’s Health Fair Receives Major Boost From State and City Leaders

A wave of optimism swept through downtown Newark on Saturday as the city’s long‑planned Health Fair drew hundreds of residents, many of whom benefited from a lineup of free services, educational booths, and medical screenings. The event was given an extra lift by the presence of two elected officials—a New Jersey Assemblywoman and a Newark City Councilwoman—who joined forces to underscore the importance of community health outreach.

What the Fair Had to Offer

Organized by the Newark Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with local nonprofits and health‑care providers, the fair’s agenda was packed with both preventative and diagnostic services:

ServiceDetails
Free Medical ScreeningsBlood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and BMI assessments, all conducted on site by volunteer nurses and community‑health workers.
COVID‑19 Vaccination & TestingA second‑dose jab, booster shots, and rapid testing for anyone over 12.
Mental‑Health ResourcesOn‑site counseling, information on trauma‑informed care, and a hotline for those seeking help.
Dental Check‑UpsPediatric and adult oral‑health screening, fluoride treatments for children, and education on dental hygiene.
Nutrition & Fitness WorkshopsInteractive demos on healthy eating, portion control, and simple at‑home exercises.
Community PartnershipsBooths from the Newark Food Bank, local YMCA, and several faith‑based organizations offering referrals to additional services.

Attendees also had the chance to pick up free health‑related goods, such as reusable water bottles, soap, and even a small bundle of over‑the‑counter pain relievers. A photo booth, where visitors could snap selfies with signs encouraging healthy habits, added a light‑hearted touch to the day.

Political Support: A Unified Front

The fair’s headline moment came when Assemblywoman the article identifies her by title rather than a full name——alongside Councilwoman —*—joined the event’s ribbon‑cutting ceremony. Both officials expressed strong support for the health fair, highlighting how the event aligns with ongoing public‑health initiatives at both the state and municipal levels.

“We’re thrilled to see so many Newark residents take advantage of this free access to essential health services,” said Assemblywoman during her opening remarks. “It’s a testament to what community partnership can achieve when we put people’s well‑being first.”

Councilwoman echoed the sentiment, noting that Newark’s health disparities—particularly in chronic disease prevalence—require sustained community‑based solutions. She stressed that “the health fair is a tangible step toward bridging the gap between underserved populations and high‑quality care.”

The officials’ participation also provided an opportunity to spotlight funding streams that supported the fair. The Assemblywoman’s office has earmarked $50,000 in state health‑care grant money to cover medical supplies, while the City Councilwoman’s budget allocation will support future health‑fair expansions, including mobile health units.

Follow‑Up Resources

While the fair itself was a one‑day event, several of the partners outlined next steps for participants who may need additional help after the fair:

  • Community Health Centers – A list of nearby community clinics and their hours was distributed, including the Newark Community Health Center and the St. Joseph’s Hospital Clinic.
  • Mental‑Health Referral Hotline – Participants can call a local hotline for mental‑health services (the article provided a link to the New Jersey Mental Health Hotline).
  • Nutrition Counseling – A local food bank, Newark Food Bank, offered free nutrition counseling for families at risk of food insecurity.

For those looking to learn more, the article included hyperlinks to:

  1. Newark Department of Health and Human Services – where readers could find the fair’s official page and future event dates.
  2. NJ Assemblywoman’s Office – a link to the official profile page that outlines her committee assignments and community initiatives.
  3. City Councilwoman’s Office – a link to her council page and a “Health & Wellness” section that describes ongoing city projects in this domain.

Community Voices

Beyond the official speeches, the article highlighted several community testimonials that captured the spirit of the day:

  • Maria Gutierrez, a 42‑year‑old mother of three, said she was grateful for the free blood‑pressure check, “I’ve been worried because my dad had heart disease. Knowing my numbers are good gives me peace.”
  • Jamal Roberts, a local high‑school teacher, appreciated the mental‑health resources, noting that “students often don’t know where to turn. Having a hotline right here is a big relief.”

A Bigger Picture

The Health Fair in Newark is part of a broader trend in New Jersey, where municipalities and state agencies are increasingly leveraging community‑based events to address health disparities. In a recent statement, Assemblywoman noted that the fair is just the first step in a “multi‑year strategy” aimed at improving preventive care in Newark’s underserved neighborhoods. The Councilwoman added that the city plans to launch a quarterly “Health & Wellness” series featuring similar outreach programs across different districts.

Conclusion

The Newark Health Fair served as a vivid illustration of how local government, community organizations, and residents can collaborate to create accessible health resources. The presence of the Assemblywoman and Councilwoman not only amplified the event’s visibility but also signaled a continued commitment to tackling Newark’s health challenges head‑on. By combining free services, educational outreach, and political support, the fair set a promising precedent for future community‑health initiatives across the state.


Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/health-fair-newark-gets-boost-nj-assemblywoman-councilwoman ]