Bond health center takes services outdoor

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

Both sides of the parking lot behind Bond Community Health Center were lined with vendors offering resources and information.

A steady stream of individual showed up for the event that organizers billed as “Flavor of Health.” Some who showed up just wanted to be seen by healthcare providers for whatever free service they could get.

There was plenty during the three-hour event — from blood pressure to diabetes screenings and most common illnesses between. Additionally, attendees took 270 boxes of free groceries.

For every one of the 178 individuals who registered or had a test it meant success for Bond and the Southside Rotary Club that collaborated to put on the events.

“I hope we are meeting the community where they are and engaging them in their healthcare and working with them to get healthier and live healthier lives,” said Dr. Tabatha Rios, Chief Medical Officer at Bond. “We are showing them that we are their partners and we want to help them; whatever needs they have.”

The event started 10 years ago when Bond partnered with the Rotary Club. It initially offered diabetes screening and has morphed into an event that featured 10 vendors last Saturday.

 Peter Okonkwo, a Bond board member when the event started, said what the event has become is essential. Especially for African American men.

 “Going to get checkups is something that Black men don’t do often or don’t have interest as much as they should,” said Okonkwo, a currently member of the Rotary. “It is important that Black men and people in general take care of their health.”

Anyone who had a screening and wanted to follow up was able to schedule an appointment on the spot to see a doctor at Bond.

“Our hope is that we connect with them so that it’s not so intimidating,” said Rios. “Doing it outside of the office is a gateway to engaging them on their terms in their space.

“We are all about taking care of the entire person.”