LEXINGTON, Ky. — HealthFirst Bluegrass is set to host significant community health events this November, aiming to enhance accessible healthcare for local residents. On November 7, a workshop will take place at the Multilingual Family Connection Center, offering on-the-spot appointment scheduling for newcomer and migrant families. This initiative is in collaboration with Fayette County Public Schools to facilitate access to essential medical services and educational support.
From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on November 7, families can benefit from various resources including blood pressure checks, information on nearby clinics and services, and mental health sessions led by Fayette County public school staff. The event is free of charge and is aimed at overcoming barriers to healthcare access.
The second major community effort will occur on November 14 at St. James Place, where flu vaccines and comprehensive services will be available for veterans and residents. Cassie Turner, the practice manager for the Adults and Women’s Health Clinic at HealthFirst Bluegrass, emphasized the importance of these outreach efforts. “We want to get as many families in as possible and we know that that is step one of all of our barriers,” she stated. The goal is to ensure community members are informed about the healthcare services available to them.
This initiative is part of a broader approach to support underserved populations in Lexington. According to Malia Jackson, Director of Operations at HealthFirst Bluegrass, the school-based clinics in partnership with Fayette County Public Schools recorded over 10,000 visits last year, addressing medical, behavioral health, and dental needs.
Noemi Lara-Rojo, a community health worker at the Southland location of HealthFirst Bluegrass, underscored the significance of tackling social determinants of health to build a healthier community overall. She stated, “Unless we tackle the social determinants of health that are impacting the overall health of people, we’re really not going to have a healthy community.” The services provided extend beyond immediate health needs, addressing challenges such as transportation issues and food insecurity.
HealthFirst Bluegrass is committed to assisting families in navigating these complexities. Lara-Rojo reassured the public that they are not alone in their struggles and emphasized the extensive range of services available to support them. Community involvement and education are core priorities for the organization as they work to dismantle barriers to healthcare.
For more information about these events and services, community members are encouraged to participate and utilize the resources offered through this initiative.
