Continuing the Commitment to the Community
Equality Health Foundation’s 4th Annual Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway
The 4th Annual Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway, took place Saturday, November 21, and was organized by the Equality Health Foundation in partnership with the Alhambra Elementary School District. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the drive-thru event was well-received by the community.
From the beginning, the festival has served a dual purpose, which is to show gratitude, and also to provide important educational healthcare information and resources to the community.
The event would not be possible without the Equality Health Foundation, and the support of the sponsoring partners and community-based organizations that participated in the festival.
“We had our doubts about holding the festival this year, mainly because of the pandemic and the concern for the health and safety of the people,” commented Tomás León, executive representative for Equality Health Foundation. “But we thought, now more than ever, it’s important to unite the community in a safe way. We wanted this event to be a light that guides through dark times, reminding us that we are in this together. And together as a community, we will overcome this.”
Providing Relief to Families During Uncertain Times
“Our primary mission is to protect and provide a better access to healthcare resources to communities who need it the most,” said León. “That’s why, in addition to giving away 1,000 turkeys and healthy bags, we conducted free COVID-19 saliva tests, in partnership with ASU, as well as free flu shots for those who wanted them.”
During the festival, there were almost 400 COVID-19 saliva tests conducted, 242 flu shots were administered and there were more than 1,600 facemasks distributed, as well as 400 informational packets on prevention and public health topics. One thousand turkeys were given away to families in the Alhambra Village community.
Knowledge is the Key to Prevention
Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has made us modify our daily lives. Now more than ever, the community requires easy access to trustworthy COVID-19 tests in which results are quickly provided . To help achieve this, Equality Health Foundation has formed an alliance with ASU and public-private partners to bring COVID-19 tests to communities through saliva tests.
The saliva tests offer a reliable alternative and rapid results, where only a saliva sample is needed and is less invasive than nasal tests.
“We work very closely with researches from ASU, who provide data about areas affected by the virus and the number positive cases, and identifies “testing deserts” which are regions that have little or no access to COVID-19 testing and healthcare services,” said Anna María Maldonado, Senior Project Coordinator for the Equality Health Foundation.
It’s very important to know that if you are carrying the coronavirus. The test detects a positive result. If you are tested positive, you will then need to isolate, with medical guidance, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Our objective is to be able to apply these tests and prevention education to the greatest number of people possible, always accounting for health and safety procedures that allow for social distancing and security, but also give follow-up treatment for those who results are positive,” commented Maldonado.
If you would like to know if you have the virus or your employer requires a COVID-19 test to return to work, the next testing event will be held on Saturday, December 5 at Marivale Sueño Park, located at 4401 West Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85035. The testing event will start at 7am and end at 12pm.
It’s suggested to perform a test if you have symptoms, have been exposed to the virus, have attended family reunions or public places where there were a lot of people around or it’s required to have a test done for school or returning home from college. The saliva test is available to children older than 5 years old.
To register, visit www.equalityhealthfoundation.org/equality/.
Published in Prensa Arizona, 12/3/2020