Celebrating Health, Wellness, and Community at the 2025 Emma L. Bowen Health Fair

This year’s fair brought together over 150 attendees from diverse communities — including youth, seniors, underserved families, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and retirees — all eager to learn, connect, and access vital health resources. The celebration took place across two lively locations: Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and 520 West 135th Street, filled with music, love, and positive energy.

Event Highlights

Comprehensive Health Services:
Attendees received a range of free screenings and medical services, including blood pressure and glucose checks, hepatitis B and flu vaccinations, HIV testing, prostate exams, and colon cancer screenings.

Engaging Workshops:
Educational sessions focused on diabetes management and nutrition education, empowering participants to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Family-Friendly Fun:
Children enjoyed a colorful array of activities — from face-painting and clowns to carnival games and carousel rides — creating a joyful, community-centered atmosphere.

A True Collaborative Effort

More than 37 partner organizations joined hands to make this event a success. The lineup included leading healthcare providers such as Mount Sinai, Northwell Health, and Cohen Children’s Medical Center, as well as advocacy groups like Harlem Strong, Reality House, and Public Health Solutions. Local businesses and partners like Anthem, Ryan Health, Center for Comprehensive Health Practice, and Swift Home Care also played key roles in serving the community.

Giving Back — One Resource at a Time

Through collective effort, the fair distributed essential health and wellness items, including:

• 1,000 disposable masks
• 50 hand sanitizers
• 25 at-home COVID tests
• 20 ORAQUICK HIV tests
• 15 packs of sanitizer wipes
• 1,000 safe sex kits
• 50 dental kits
• 50 lip balms
• 12 hand creams
• 100 health literatures
• 50 eye health guides
• 50 inspirational wristbands
• 15 water bottles

Each item represented a tangible act of care — a reminder that community wellness begins with small, consistent gestures of support.

Inspiring Voices and Tributes

The fair also featured a keynote address by Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who spoke passionately about the importance of protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expanding healthcare access for all.

A special tribute was also paid to the late Lloyd Williams, a beloved Harlem revival leader, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to community development.

Voices from the Community

Feedback from participants captured the true spirit of the day:

“Really felt cared for – will definitely come back next year!”
“Great event for families! Kids enjoyed the activities while we got health advice.”
“The health fair was lifesaving! Got my blood pressure checked and learned diabetes management.”

Moving Forward Together

Events like the Emma L. Bowen Community Health Fair embody the mission of the Spreading Love Foundation — to serve, uplift, and bring hope to communities through meaningful action. Together, we’re building healthier, stronger, and more connected communities — one act of service at a time.