Sunday’s “Health First” event at Malcolm X Park
An event at Malcolm X Park was organized by Pennsylvania Care Associates, a social services organization with a mission is to help individuals with disabilities live independently in the comfort of their homes.
Legendary performers which included Keith Washington, Suzann Christine, Shirley Lights and Deneice Williams to name a few.
“I’m the CEO of Pennsylvania Care Associates and I created this event to help people get proactive about their health care,” said Tomika McFadden, the event organizer. “The services that my organization provides to people with disabilities and medical problems can be prevented and they get the care they need early on, early screenings, and consistent primary care.”
McFadden said the music and the Health Fest was created to make health care fun.
“Health doesn’t have to be uncomfortable,” she said. “Our plan is to introduce these opportunities, empower people to use these tools and encourage them to continue to do so all year long.”
McFadden formed Pennsylvania Care Associates in 2012 and this was the group’s second Health Fest.
Despite periods of rain, the community came and stayed out throughout the entire event watching act after act perform. As the rain fell, sometimes in heavy down pours, the people continued to sway to the music and sing along to their favorite songs performed by artists some grew up listening to.
“I feel great, I feel awesome,” said McFadden when asked how she felt about the massive turnout.
“They came out and didn’t leave when it rained. I’m loving it! It’s such great energy and high vibrations. I love it, I’m very excited about the turnout,” she said.
George Fernandez of Aetna Better Health of PA was on hand to conduct tours of Aetna’s Mobile Health and Wellness RV, known as Cora. Cora is short for ‘Corazon’ which is ‘heart’ in Spanish.
“The purpose of Cora is to essentially educate our members and community neighbors to live healthy, active lives,” said Fernandez.
The RV began making stops across Pennsylvania in June 2 and will be making some 100 stops to spread awareness about health and wellness.
“Essentially we’re going out to community block parties, festivals, sometimes to our health and benefit fairs,” he said.
Cora is equipped with a smoothie Bar designed to show families that nutritious smoothies can be made quickly and easily on a budget; it also has a Nintendo Wii, where users learn that the games can not only be fun but also a fun way to exercise.
Dozens of vendors were onsite to provide health screenings and/or distribute information as well.
West Philly’s own artist and performer, Beano, blessed the crowd with several selections during the show and said it was always great performing in his neighborhood.
“I feel great being able to perform in front of my people in West Philadelphia,” said Beano. “It’s good to see our people out here, Black people out here, having a good time.”
Radio personality Dyana Williams served as Mistress of Ceremony for the event
“I love community events and this one was very special to me because it’s the largest, health and music fair being produced in the United States and produced and sponsored by a young, African-American, and immensely successful entrepreneur,” said Williams, referring to the Festivals organizer, Tomika McFadden.
