Join Us for a Vibrant Health Fair on Penn Street: Discover Wellness with Berks Community Health Center!

Berks Community Health Center celebrated National Health Center Week with a vibrant health fair on Penn Street. This event, according to Adalbys Ventura, the outreach manager, was a way to thank the community for their support.

The fair featured local organizations setting up booths, sharing resources, and offering free health screenings. Families enjoyed activities like a bouncy house, healthy snacks, and refreshments—all at no cost, thanks to community donations.

Children were excited to meet the center’s mascot, Healthy Berky, who danced and played music. Young attendees like Ezra Alvarez couldn’t wait to jump into the bouncy house, while his sister Emelia snacked on oranges on the side.

Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the fair included various vendors offering services like legal advice and home healthcare. Ventura emphasized the importance of the event, saying it brings together resources for families in one place, making it a great day out.

National Health Center Week, celebrated every August, highlights the work of nonprofit health centers across the country. For BCHC, this event is about showing gratitude for the community’s trust. The center, established in 2012, offers a wide range of services to individuals of all ages, from dental to obstetric care.

BCHC also provides school physical exams and vaccinations, and has a mobile unit that brings healthcare to neighborhoods. Operating as a nonprofit federally qualified health center means they serve everyone, regardless of their income or insurance status.

This year, the center planned two events to reach people across town; the first, outside their Liggett Avenue location, attracted around 200 visitors. Ventura hoped for even more at the Penn Street fair.

Community health continues to evolve, especially as healthcare access becomes more critical. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Community Health Centers, nearly 29 million people rely on health centers for primary care. This shows the growing need for organizations like BCHC to remain accessible and supportive.

Through this health fair, BCHC not only spread awareness about their services but also celebrated the partnerships in the community. Ventura remarked, “This is our way of saying thank you for letting us be part of your lives.”



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