November 2010
Second Annual Homeless Connect Health Fair
Dianna Kane, Health Care Coordinator
For some clients, this event is his or her only interaction with health services all year. The fair is provides an opportunity for local health and wellness agencies to engage with clients who may not traditionally seek out these services. By bringing local agencies together, clients not only get their immediate needs met, but also learn about available services and connect with providers to receive ongoing care. This is the only event of its kind in Berkeley, CA.
This event relied on the efforts of so many dedicated people. We had 24 agencies*, 100+ volunteers, and served 177 clients at last Thursday’s event!
What does all of this add up to?
· 21 clients screened for hypertension
· 57 flu shots administered
· 20 HIV tests given
· 30+ vision screenings, 5 pairs of reading glasses, 12 optometry appointments scheduled, and dozens of vision referrals
· 33 pairs of feet washed
· 19 backs massaged
· 10+ heads of hair cut
· 6 backs cracked
· 24 peer counseling sessions or referrals
· 10 clients given information on breast and cervical cancer screening resources
· 17 helped with recovery services
· 18 helped with mental health services
· 8 began food stamps applications
· 33 received information on healthy living workshops in the community
· ….and countless other acts of kindness given and received
Who did we serve?
Out of the 177 clients that attended, 101 were male and 43 were female
The average age was 45, with 22% under the age of 30 and 12% over the age of 60
50% identified as African-America, 37% as white, with several other ethnic groups marginally represented
Nearly 67% reported being not currently housed
17 were veterans
We also posted some photos of the event on Flickr.
*2010 Participating Agencies: UC Berkeley Suitcase Clinic, Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless, UCSF/UCB Joint Medical Program, American Medical Students Association, Project Vision, UC Berkeley School of Optometry, Every Woman Counts, Options Recovery Services, Oakland Children’s Hospital, City of Berkeley Department of Public Health (Chronic Disease Prevention), Cal-Pep, Berkeley Mental Health, Samuel Merritt University, Food stamps facilitator Peggy Alter, Berkeley Free Clinic , Oasis Clinic, BOSS/MASC, Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program, East Bay Community Recovery Project, Nancy Skinner’s Office, The Gertonson Institute, Life Long Medical Care, Turning Point Transitional Housing for Youth, Easy Does It Services. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente!
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