Participate in a free health and wellness event in Roanoke to have your questions addressed

Roanoke, Virginia – Visiting the doctor can be a terrible experience, but this Saturday at the Pilgrim Baptist Church starting at 9 a.m., you can get all the answers to your health-related issues answered for free at the Black Family Wellness Expo.

The Roanoke Chapter of the Links is hosting the event.

You can have your flu shot and COVID-19 booster. It is possible to monitor your blood pressure. Information on preventing strokes as well as hearing exams will be available.

Physicians will also be present at the Pilgrim Baptist Church to conduct instructional programs on diabetic care, early diagnosis, and awareness of breast cancer. Although the Roanoke Chapter of the Links stated that African Americans will be the primary emphasis, the event is open to anyone.

“We want to make sure that there is access, easy access to information to be given to this community, to our community. In particular, knowing about screenings, [and] knowing about prevention. We know that when you have a healthier lifestyle, you are likely to live longer, but frankly, we also know the data shows that African Americans die at an earlier age than our white counterparts,” said Kianna Price Marshall, who is a member of The Roanoke Chapter of the Links.

Additionally, the organization stated that universal access to healthcare is critical, particularly in the Roanoke Valley.

“There’s a lack of medical facilities within some of these urban areas, and so if you don’t have the transportation, if you don’t have employment, you may not be able to get to some of the medical facilities that are available,” said Price Marshall.

There will be a ton of kid-friendly activities as well. There will be activities, rock climbing, and face painting.

Once more, the event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.