The organization 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis will host its 16th annual community health fair this weekend.
The event, held at Harris-Stowe State University, will feature a range of free health screenings for all ages, including blood pressure, cholesterol, hearing and vision tests. Organizers say the goal is to encourage community members to think more about their own health and wellness.
“A lot of times, we wait until we get sick to go to the hospital,” said Keithen Stallings, vice president of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. “This fair is all about providing information, tools and resources so we can actually be proactive about our health.”
Mammograms, prostate exams and HIV screenings will also be available at no cost.
A variety of organizations will be at the community fair to provide health tests, including Bayer, Washington University’s Siteman Cancer Center and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
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The event will include a timed 5K run to raise prostate cancer awareness, beginning at 8 a.m.
“The broader goal is the follow-up,” Stallings said. “It’s not just to attend the fair, but to be aware of what’s going on with your body and then follow up with the recommendations that we make.”
First formed in 1983, 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis is a coalition of prominent men in the St. Louis area, including business owners, educators, politicians and religious leaders.
Through a variety of programs, including the annual health fair, the nonprofit works to improve the quality of life in underserved communities.
If you go:
100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis Community Health Fair
What: Free health screenings, refreshments, yoga, live music
Where: Harris-Stowe State University main entrance, Laclede Avenue near Chaifetz Arena
When: Saturday, September 22; 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend fair; $25 registration fee for 5K run
Registration: Available here
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