1,000 people provided free medical services
ANAHEIM, Calif. – A thousand people received free medical, dental, vision, mammogram, acupuncture, chiropractic and mental health services along with flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the free Anaheim Health Fair held Nov. 6-7 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
After pausing in fall 2020 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the health fair's 2021 return exceeded attendance expectations and matched pre-pandemic levels.
For many seniors and working families without insurance, it was their only chance to see a doctor, dentist, optometrist or other provider this year. For others, the health fair provided easy access to COVID-19 vaccines, with more than 100 vaccines, boosters and Pfizer doses for children administered.
"While it is great to see our city come back so strong, we know there are many out there who still need help."
Mayor Harry Sidhu
The health fair, now in its 15th year, addressed ongoing needs as Anaheim continues to emerge from the pandemic downturn. At the low in the spring of 2020, more than 30,000 Anaheim residents were out of work with the closure of Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center and the city's sports and entertainment venues.
Anaheim now is seeing a strong recovery, though many still are out of work or may have lost health insurance.
"While it is great to see our city come back so strong, we know there are many out there who still need help," said Mayor Harry Sidhu, who got his flu shot at this year's health fair and started the yearly event in 2007 while serving as an Anaheim City Council member. "One of the lasting lessons from the pandemic is the importance of good health for everyone in our community."
Health Services
Dental fillings, extractions and cleanings were among the most used services at the health fair.
Vision exams with prescription glasses made onsite in about 20 minutes were also popular.
Chiropractors provided acupuncture and other services for those dealing with pain and other issues.
More than 100 COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and child shots were administered, with seniors and others taking advantage of boosters and families immunizing children ahead of the holidays.
Other services included:
- Mental health consulting
- EKG, physicals, hearing tests
- Bone density assessments
- Diabetes, cholesterol and hemoglobin tests
- Specialist consultations
The health fair took place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, and Sunday, Nov. 7.
More than 250 medical professionals and other volunteers gave their time and services.
The free Anaheim Health Fair is set to return in 2022.