There are a lot of people out there right now that don’t know enough about their health or what to do related to various health issues. Local non profit organisations have run health fairs before, in order to help the community and also provide information about health and health insurance.

The demand for the community health fairs is growing in Harlem and mostly because of the economic crisis. Naomi Griffin, one of the Harlem Hospital directors, claims that the mobile outreach vans of the hospital see a few thousands of people every year. Formerly May to September, the outreach work season runs April to October these days. Sometimes, the oureach vans get to visit up to six sites per weekend. This indicates that there is a big need out there. Although there is a big will from the medical authorities and the Harlem population, the economic downturn still has a powerful impact on the people. Therefore, these health fairs meant to help the population are multiplying every year.

During such a health fair, people can register for free blood pressure, diabets tests, eyes tests, podiatry check ups and so on. Uninsured, but yet concerned about their health, many Harlem citizens are the ideal persons the community health fairs want to reach. Once they get a few free tests going and find out something is not right, it is their responsibility to get in touch with a doctor then. Health fairs only come with the initiative and the impulse. Attending one of these, the citizens can get instructions on an adequate alimentation or vegetarian cooking tips. Those interested are free to join instant aerobics classes with professional trainers. That, since statistics show that Harlem citizens have a high rate of obesity, stroke and heart disease. Much higher than the city average.