Annual Minority Health Fair is moving to UTC campus

When the Hamilton County Minority Health Fair—one of the community’s largest and most-comprehensive annual health outreach events—returns in 2020, it will do so on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

UTC debuts as host of the Hamilton County Minority Health Fair at the event’s 19^th annual presentation on Aug. 1. The event is free and activities will take place in both Maclellan Gym and the University Center on campus.

“From an idea for broadening access to education, prevention and early detection of potential health concerns, this event has become a reality with a real and vital impact on the lives of thousands in the community. We are pleased by the overwhelming support for the event, both from participating citizens and healthcare providers. Thanks to that support and the growth that has come with it, after 18 years, it’s time to go to college, and we are excited to be going to UTC in 2020,” said Chris Ramsey, president of the Southeast Tennessee Health Consortium Foundation.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the organizers of the 19th Annual Minority Health Fair, and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of citizens who will be served by the event,” UTC Chancellor Steve Angle said.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., are organizing the event in collaboration with the Southeast Tennessee Health Consortium. More than 6,000 area residents and 130 vendors—an attendance record—participated in the August 2019 health fair.

Again in 2020, the free event will offer a variety of health screenings and information. In the case of screening results that warrant further follow-up, healthcare practitioners will be on site to counsel participants on next steps and available options. Information on specific health screenings, their locations and other related information will be made available soon.

In addition to hosting the 2020 health fair on campus, UTC will help staff the event with dozens of students from its School of Nursing.

The Hamilton County Minority Health Fair began in 2002 as a joint effort of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to address men’s health concerns. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. got involved in 2004, expanding the scope to include women’s and children’s health concerns. Since that time, the event has further focused on significant disparities between the health profiles of African American and white residents of Hamilton County that persist today.

More on these disparities is available from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department.

Q&A

The Annual Minority Health Fair is a free community event. More than 130 vendors will provide on-site health screenings and health education to attendees. Everyone in Hamilton County and surrounding areas is welcome.

When did the Minority Health Fair start and what’s the purpose?

In 2002, Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi fraternities partnered with the 28^th Legislative District Community Development Corp. to focus on men’s health issues by providing a free health fair—the Hamilton County Minority Health Fair. Initially, the focus was prostate health, blood pressure and educational services for men, and the first event was at Brainerd High School in August 2002. In 2004, Delta Sigma Theta sorority joined the partnership and added a focus on women’s and children’s health. The new partnership brought expanded screenings and educational services for the entire family. The year 2020 is bringing the 19^th annual Minority Health Fair, expected to draw more than 6,000 attendees and more than 130 vendors.

What’s the date and time?

The 19^th Annual Minority Health Fair is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, in the University Center building on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus.

Why move the Minority Health Fair to UTC?

Location is critical for reaching the target population. UTC is in the heart of Chattanooga, with access to public transportation and free parking. The UTC University Center is an air-conditioned, accessible, modern facility. UTC School of Nursing students have participated in the Minority Health Fair since 2015 and having the event on campus means even more UTC students can participate.

Where will the Minority Health Fair be held?

In the University Center building, 642 E. Fifth St., Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403

Are any activities happening in Maclellan Gym?

The Second Annual Line Dance Showcase is 6-10 p.m. on Friday, July 31 in Maclellan Gym. On Saturday, Aug. 1, mobile vehicles offering health screenings by healthcare provider organizations will be parked near Maclellan Gym.

Where can attendees park?

All event parking is free and on campus. Attendees may park in the  UTC five-story parking garage on East Fifth Street near Douglas Avenue as well as in surface parking lots surrounding the University Center on Vine Street or at the corner of Palmetto Street and East Fifth Street.

Will shuttle services be available from parking areas to the University Center?

Yes, CARTA will operate two shuttle buses to pick up attendees at designated stops and bring them to the University Center entrance from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

When does pre-registration start for the Minority Health Fair? 

Pre-registration begins on June 1 and continues through July 25, 2020 at www.minorityhealthfair.org

 Is there a charge for any of the health screenings conducted on-site at the Minority Health Fair?

No, all of the health screenings are free, but there is an exception for the Memorial Mammography Mobile. If you pre-register for a mammogram, you will be asked to provide insurance information. If you do not have health insurance, you may qualify to receive a mammogram at no cost.

Do any of the screenings involve results that must be mailed or called in to a participant or his/her doctor?

Results of Minority Health Fair lab test screenings are mailed from CHI Memorial Hospital to participants within 10 days. The results of all other health screenings will be provided on-site at the event by healthcare professionals.  

Is the Minority Health Fair only for minority populations?

No, the Minority Health Fair is open to everyone, and the entire community is welcome to attend this free event.

Will Spanish-language translation services be available at the fair?

Yes, volunteer translators will be available.

How many vendors and attendees are expected?

More than 6,000 attendees and more than 130 vendors are expected to participate in the Minority Health Fair.

How will you remind the public of the change of location and new date?

In mid-January, more than 1,500 “Save the Date” postcards with the new date and location are being mailed to past attendees. The same information will be posted on the Minority Health Fair Facebook page, and we encourage participating vendors to share this information with their clients. A communication reminder will be sent every other month to help make the community aware of the new date and new location.

Where can I get more information and stay informed about the Minority Health Fair?

“Like” the event Facebook page–Hamilton County Minority Health Fair—or visit the website at www.minorityhealthfair.org to stay informed.