Sponsored by Cedars-Sinai
For many Black families in Los Angeles, it takes more than just arranging a doctor’s appointment to stay healthy. Permanent obstacles such as limited access to affordable healthcare, lack of insurance coverage, transportation difficulties, and a historical distrust of the medical system can make it hard to access preventive care and screenings.
But taking care of your health doesn’t always have to start in a doctor’s office.
This fall, Cedars-Sinai is bringing its health services, preventive care, and community involvement directly to the neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Offering free flu vaccinations, health screenings, cancer awareness, and fitness activities, the health system will participate in a number of community events aimed at helping Los Angeles residents take steps towards better health.
Cedars-Sinai Is Bringing Health Resources Into the Community
By holding health events in communities, preventive care can become more accessible since these events take place where people live, work and gather.
Cedars-Sinai will take part in a number of events during the fall, giving people the chance to learn more about the health facilities and to connect with members of the organization’s community programs.
Here are upcoming events to know about:
St. Basil Church Flu Clinic
Sept. 27 | 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
St. Basil Church Parking Lot
3611 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
Cedars-Sinai will offer free flu vaccinations for people ages six months and older at this community flu clinic.
City of WeHo Disabilities Awareness Month Fair
Oct. 1 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Plummer Park Community Center
7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
During the City of West Hollywood’s Disabilities Awareness Month Fair, members of the community can get free health screenings and flu vaccinations.
Community, Friends & Family Flu Clinic
Oct. 4 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Cedars-Sinai Spielberg Parking Lot
8723 Alden Dr., Los Angeles
This event will provide free flu vaccinations, giving community members another opportunity to protect themselves and their families during flu season.
Taste of Soul
Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Crenshaw Blvd. & Obama Blvd., Los Angeles
Taste of Soul brings together food, music and culture for one of L.A.’s largest street festivals. Cedars-Sinai will have a booth at the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect with the health system and learn more about available community resources.
LA Rams Crucial Catch Game
Oct. 18 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
SoFi Stadium
1001 S. Stadium Dr., Inglewood
Cedars-Sinai will be taking part in the LA Rams’ Crucial Catch Game, an event dedicated to cancer prevention, early detection and paying tribute to local cancer survivors.
Hollywood Park Moves
Saturdays | 9–10 a.m.
The Court at Hollywood Park
1130 S. Prairie Ave., Inglewood
Another key aspect of staying healthy over the long term is staying active. Hollywood Park Moves offers a free, high-energy workout led by Claudine Cooper at the basketball court in Hollywood Park every Saturday.
There will be no classes in November or December.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Many chronic illnesses can develop without any obvious warning signs, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which may go undetected until they have started to cause more serious health problems.
That is one reason preventive screenings are so important.
Checking your blood pressure, blood glucose, or cholesterol levels can provide information about your health and help spot potential problems that should be followed up on by a healthcare professional.
Flu vaccinations are also an important element of preventive care, especially in the fall during flu season, and Cedars-Sinai’s community clinics give people the chance to receive them free of charge.
It is especially important for Black communities to have greater access to preventive health services. By removing barriers to care and providing more opportunities for individuals to access health information and services in their own communities, preventive care can become a more regular part of staying healthy.
Small Steps Can Make a Difference
Better health outcomes cannot be achieved solely through medical treatment; healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, preventive screenings, vaccinations, health education, and strong community ties can all contribute to long-term well-being.
That’s why community events matter.
Whether you’re getting a flu shot, stopping by a health screening, learning about cancer prevention or simply finding a new way to stay active, these events can be an easy first step toward taking charge of your health.
Cedars-Sinai invites people in Los Angeles to find out more about its community programs and resources.
To learn more about how Cedars-Sinai is HERE. FOR L.A., visit cedars-sinai.org/HereForLA.
With several free community events happening this fall, there are plenty of opportunities to make preventive health a priority—for yourself, your family and your community.
Source: BlackDoctor
