Penn is hosting a pair of health and wellness fairs over the next two weeks to help our West Philadelphia neighbors, young and old, stay focused on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Penn Nursing’s Healthy In Philadelphia (HIP) initiative and Living Independently for Elders (LIFE) program are presenting its Second Annual West Philadelphia Wellness Day on Saturday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LIFE building, 4508 Chestnut St. The event is open to all ages.

The day, co-hosted by Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, Penn’s Office of Government and Community Affairs, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, will feature free health screenings, workshops, massages, food and giveaways, music, face painting, and Zumba dancing.

“This is another great opportunity for Penn Nursing to strengthen its health community partnership with West Philadelphia, making nursing, other faculty, and student resources accessible, and increasing health awareness among residents,” says HIP Director Rebecca Snyder Phillips.

For more information, contact Healthy In Philadelphia at 215-898-4998 or 215-898-5629.

On Saturday, April 28, the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is supporting the Sayre Health Center with its Annual Health Fair, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sayre High School, 5800 Walnut St.  

As part of their Community Teamworks initiative, SP2 students, faculty, staff, and alumni will assist the Sayre Health Center with providing information about cardiovascular health, pre-natal care, Body Mass Index, care for the elderly, and free eye exams.

Most of the activities, including some arts and crafts and yoga classes, will take place at the Sayre High School parking lot or the football field. The free eye exams will be available inside the Sayre Health Center.

Kiasha Huling, manager of social health services at the Center, says that in addition to the traditional Health Fair offerings, this year’s fair will have an added social work point of view.

“This year we’d like to focus on connecting individuals to resources that aim to support them in [achieving] healthier outcomes,” Huling says, “creating awareness about Sayre Health Center’s approach to healthcare and just really having a fun, active day.”

For more information on the Sayre Health Fair, call 215-474-4444 or email Kiasha Huling at Khuling@sayrehealth.org.