St. Vincent’s aims to build healthier community with annual Block Party
This month, there’s only one place in town to take in a capella music, watch a canine relay team and learn about cancer from inside an inflatable colon.
The St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Block Party and Health Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, from 5-8 p.m. rain or shine and features these highlights and more. Organizers saw record attendance last year as more than 1,000 turned out for the event.
This year’s family-friendly festival promises a carnival atmosphere with additional live music and activities for children, but at its heart remains the mission of St. Vincent’s to build healthy communities. Organizers said the free health screenings offered at the event are slated to be more effective, comprehensive and numerous than in years past.
“It’s an event about awareness,” said Scott Goggins, service integration manager at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. “We want all of Shelby County and the surrounding area to be healthy, and to us that all starts with preventative care.”
The event will give the community an opportunity to take advantage of free health screenings, including cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, vision/hearing, skin cancer evaluations, colorectal take-home kits, prescription consultations, physical therapy consultations, and foot screening and analysis. Goggins said health professionals will be on-site to interpret results.
Health-related vendors such as the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association will also be at the event. And don’t forget about the inflatable colon. The walk-through educational tool will be set up to teach attendees about the importance of colorectal screening.
The event also includes a wealth of activities for children. Goggins said besides the two moonwalks and the obstacle course, face painting, hair coloring and balloon art will be available. In addition, the Hoover Police Department is landing its helicopter on site.
“I think the kids will love that,” Goggins said.
Live music is also on this year’s schedule. A capella singers from the Back in Time Band will be followed up by the sounds of The Double Feature Band with Cathy Palmer. Other highlights include a demonstration from the Flyball Dogs as well as free Zumba, hula hoop and Spinning classes.
“It’s a pretty well-rounded event for the whole family,” Goggins said.
Other activities include free chair massages from Spa One Nineteen and the opportunity to visit healthy information booths from local organizations and physician offices.
“At St. Vincent’s One Nineteen it is our goal and mission to build a healthier community,” said Stephanie Holderby, executive director of St. Vincent’s One Nineteen and vice president of the St. Vincent’s Ambulatory Healthcare Network. “The Block Party and Health Festival along with our monthly educational seminars and physician lectures provide us with the opportunity to promote real and total health.”
For more information about the Block Party and Health Festival, call 408-6600 or visit onenineteen.com.