Bronxites showed up in large numbers to Crotona Park for a festive community health fair, hosted by Phipps Neighborhoods’ COVID-19 Disparities Initiative, on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022.

According to Phipps Neighborhoods, a non-profit social service provider in New York City, the Day of Action featured free health screenings, a Zumba class, a DJ, face painting, raffles, and a back-to-school giveaway, as well as PPE and COVID-19 home test kit distributions and referrals to health care providers.

Andre White, executive director and CEO of Phipps Neighborhoods said the fair offered the organization a great opportunity to partner with community groups to bring health screenings, much needed school supplies, and a day of fun for Bronx families. “This was a wonderful event, and we appreciate the support we received from both our partners and the community as a whole,” he said.

Partners of the event included State Sen. Luis Sepúlveda (S.D. 32), Assembly Member Chantel Jackson (A.D. 79), MetroPlus Health, Montefiore, Acacia Network, Essen Health Care, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NY Reach, Morris Heights Health Center, the NYPD, FDNY, ACS, and NYC Commission on Human Rights.

Also partnering were the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Bridge Builders Community Partnership, Vertex, the Center for Employment Opportunities, Riders Alliance, Girl Wow, Destination Tomorrow, and Argus Community.

As of Aug. 26, COVID-19 transmission rates were highest in ZIP code 10469 covering Allerton, Baychester, Pelham Gardens and Williamsbridge where the average 7-day positivity rate was 15.9 percent, ZIP code 10465 covering Country Club and Throggs Neck where the  the average 7-day positivity rate was 15.13 percent, and ZIP code 10459 covering Charlotte Gardens, Hunts Point and some of the general Crotona vicinity, where the average 7-day positivity rate was 15.71 percent.