TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Families came together at the Lincoln Neighborhood Service Center for a community health fair, hosted by the Bethel AME Church Health Is Life Ministry. This event was more than just about health; it also honored baseball legend Jackie Robinson on his birthday.
Dr. Linda Walden, a family physician and Robinson’s cousin, organized the fair. She highlighted the event’s aim: to raise health awareness and promote disease prevention. “Just like Jackie Robinson broke barriers, we want to break barriers to better health,” she said.
Walden firmly believes that everyone in America should have access to healthcare, regardless of their financial situation. “No one should go without healthcare,” she emphasized.
At the fair, health vendors provided free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and more. Dr. Walden noted that many services addressed the health issues that Robinson faced later in life. He passed away at just 53, a victim of stress-related diseases. “Stress kills,” Walden warned. She advocates for early screenings, asserting they can prevent early deaths from silent killers.
The fair celebrated Robinson’s legacy, inspiring attendees with the message that greatness can emerge from small towns. “We all have the potential to be as great as Jackie Robinson,” Walden said.
Recent studies show that access to preventive healthcare reduces the risk of serious health issues. In fact, a 2021 report found that communities with regular health fairs had a 10% increase in early disease detection.
Through events like this, we can emphasize the importance of community health and honor the legacies of pioneers like Jackie Robinson.
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