PNAAZ Spearheads Health Fair & Humanitarian Mission
The Philippine Nurses Association of Arizona (PNAAZ) hosted its Health Fair & Humanitarian Mission on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the West Valley International Church in Glendale, Arizona. This event was held in cooperation with various local organizations, including Maricopa County Public Health, Korean American Nurses Foundation, Arizona Korean Nurses Association, Lions Club International District 21 North Arizona, the Phoenix Asian American Lions Club, The 3000 Club, and Asian Pacific Community in Action (APCA).
Community members benefited from a wide array of complimentary health services. The offerings included free COVID-19 and flu vaccines for those three years and older, vision screenings along with no-cost eyeglasses and sunglasses, diabetes and cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, body mass index (BMI) assessments, and health education provided by nurses and nurse practitioners with advanced healthcare education.
APCA contributed by providing vital information on insurance for the uninsured, and representatives were available to assist attendees in navigating healthcare options. The 3000 Club, offered attendees the option to receive 60 pounds of food items for a $10 donation, and thanks to extraordinary community donations, many families received these provisions at no cost. Further support for education was seen through The 2000 Project, which handed out free school supplies and backpacks for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Clothing, shoes, blankets, and hygiene products for the unhoused were also distributed. This was complemented by the provision of free snacks and lunches, enhancing the community-focused atmosphere of the fair.
Marinor Condes, President of PNAAZ for the 2022-2024 term, reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to these types of initiatives, specifically tailored to meet the needs of the West Valley community. According to Condes, they are already planning for future events, including the addition of a free mammogram bus in 2024, in response to the community’s expressed needs.
The Health Fair & Humanitarian Mission not only addressed immediate health concerns but also highlighted a commitment to collective support, showcasing the powerful results of collaborative efforts to advance public health and welfare.
