This year’s Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair coincided with two other events in Indianapolis: the Black Expo celebrating the summer and the centenary of Black sorority Sigma Gamma Rho history. As thousands of Hoosiers and foreign visitors flocked to town to attend Patti LaBelle’s free concert, some also took the opportunity to be greeted at the health show for a free check of health.
John Lee, the retired Hoosier, said it was his first time coming to the Black Expo with the health show since coronavirus outbreak. He took time to stop by the many shops that lined the area.
“I had a blood test,” Lee said, taking the stack of papers showing the results of his tests. “So, prostate analysis, blood sugar, cholesterol, PSA, sickle cell, total nine yards. I mean, why not?”
She said taking those free tests helps her stay on top of her health without the burden of multiple doctor visits and medical bills. There is also a sense of pride he feels when participating in Black people’s organizations such as the Expo and health.
“I’m supporting all special events like this,” Lee said.
The organization said the show offered nearly $ 2,500 worth of free health services for participants, including: blood tests, breast cancer screenings. milk, and check teeth and vision.
Addressing health issues
Black Americans are more uninsured or uninsured than White Americans. A recent study published in the JAMA Open Network looked at the population of patients covered by Medicare and found primary care physicians were less likely to provide Black people with special needs than White people. This means that Black people do not receive specialized care when needed.
While events that make health care free, such as the Black and Minority Health Fair, are not a sustainable solution to some of the color differences that have long existed in health care, Linda Evans, 65, said she feels these events help fill the gap.
“The health scene is really alarming,” Evans said. “I [the doctor] have primary care, but for people who don’t, and can’t see a doctor, you can get all this information and you can do research. You can find out everything about your health, so it’s really fun. ”
Evans said he has been coming to Black Expo for 51 years, and has been involved in healthcare for more than thirty years.
