Free health screenings, smoothies & school supplies at 'Good for the Neighborhood'

Independent Health Foundation Press Release

Independent Health Foundation welcomes families across Western New York to participate in the summer session of the popular “Good for the Neighborhood” program, a free, community-based wellness program that brings health-related training and tools to neighborhoods where access to care is limited.

Running from Thursday, July 17, through Tuesday, Aug. 26, community members will have the opportunity to kick-start a healthy summer while laying the foundation for a lifetime of wellness.

Participants will receive free blood pressure checks, provided by ECMC, at all locations except Mt. Olive. In addition, participants will receive wellness information and the necessary tools to support a healthier lifestyle. To help families prepare for the upcoming school year, children will be given back-to-school essentials, courtesy of the Independent Health Foundation.

In addition to the screenings, children will enjoy fun and engaging activities, and attendees of all ages will be treated to a fresh, healthy smoothie prepared by Sierra White, also known as The Fruit Lady.

“Good for the Neighborhood” is a fun and meaningful way for families to connect with health resources and their community, all while taking the first steps toward a healthier future.

The July and August schedule is as follows:

Thursday, July 17, 5-6:30 p.m., Akron-Newstead Senior Center, 5691 Cummings Road, Akron

Thursday, July 31, 3:30-5 p.m., Lackawanna City School District, 135 Martin Road

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 3-5 p.m., Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 701 E Delavan Ave., Buffalo.

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 4:30-6 p.m., Westminster Community Charter School, 24 Westminster Ave., Buffalo

Friday, Aug. 8, 4-5:30 p.m., Packard Court Community Center, 4300 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls

Saturday, Aug. 16, 10-11:30 a.m., Rural Outreach Center, 730 Olean Road, East Aurora

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 5-7 p.m., West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont St., Buffalo

“Good for the Neighborhood” programs are health fair-style events held quarterly in community centers, schools and businesses in neighborhoods throughout the City of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Akron and Lackawanna. The events offer free access to healthy food, health screenings including blood pressure checks, workshops and, once each year during the late summer, free school supplies. More information is available online at www.goodfortheneighborhood.com

The Independent Health Foundation, founded in 1992, works to improve the health and well-being of Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, education and other programs focused on community health priorities. For more information about the Independent Health Foundation, visit www.independenthealthfoundation.org.