GONZALES — Hundreds of families recently flocked to Central Park in Gonzales to experience Community Health Day presented by Salinas Valley Health.
The Oct. 12 event was one of the many ways the public district health system supports expanded access to quality care by bringing no-cost health services directly to underserved communities.
“Our first Community Health Day earlier this year in Salinas was a tremendous success,” said Allen Radner, MD, Salinas Valley Health president/CEO. “With our rural health clinic in Gonzales, this location was a natural fit to hold another event that offers free health services in an environment that is fun for the whole family.”
With flu season approaching, the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic was on hand, providing hundreds of free flu shots. Among those receiving a shot was Salinas Valley Health Board Member Joel Hernandez Laguna, who represents the district area that includes Gonzales.
In partnership with the Monterey County Food Bank, hundreds of bags of fresh produce were distributed to community members. The event also saw the Salinas Valley Health perinatal nursing team on site, distributing diapers to support new moms and offering raffle gift baskets as a special treat for mothers.
Two other popular highlights at Community Health Day were the giveaway of more than 200 soccer balls to young attendees and a critical initiative by the ER docs who distributed free NARCAN, along with step-by-step guides on how to use it in case of an overdose situation.
“It’s heartwarming to see the faces of hundreds of kids getting a new soccer ball and immediately playing with them around Central Park,” Laguna said. “Soccer is a great way for young people to stay active, naturally promoting health and wellness. It’s fun for the kids, and we also know the powerful impact exercise can have on reducing obesity and prediabetes in our youth.”
Central Park in Gonzales was transformed with engaging activities, games and a resource fair featuring valuable information at dozens of booths manned by experts and volunteers. People of all ages participated in a giant Jenga game, watched ballet folklorico performances and joined in free Zumba sessions.
Salinas Valley Health operates the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center in Gonzales, which opened in 2015 and tripled in size in 2020 to better serve the greater South Monterey County region.
