On Sept. 6, over 300 residents of South King County poured into Grace Community Church in Auburn to attend the 4th annual Latino Family Health Fair.

Families experienced an event that was both entertaining and educational. They received free services that ranged from health screenings to haircuts and viewed presentations from legal rights and domestic violence to Mexican folk dance.

Why hold a health fair focused on the Latino community? Last year’s Health of King County report showed that South King County experiences lower health status and more limited access to health care when compared with other areas of the county.

In addition, Latinos are disproportionately affected by higher rates of adolescent births, physical inactivity, HIV and access to care. Many Latino families do not know what services are available to them or even whether they qualify to receive them.

The fair featured free screenings in diabetes, vision, dental, blood pressure as well as free pap tests and mammograms. Representatives from more than 40 public service agencies had information booths so as to inform residents about their programs and how to access them. All information and services were offered in Spanish.

Kids were entertained by having their picture taken with the fire department, along with face painting, clowns and a presentation on “How to Eat Like a Superhero” offered by students from the Rotaract Club of the University of Washington. Fairgoers also enjoyed a presentation from a local Mexican folk dance group Guelaguetza.

The 4th annual South King County Latino Family Health Fair is a partnership among Public Health-Seattle and King County, Children’s Health Initiative, the Komen Foundation, the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program, YWCA, Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, Washington Apple Health for Kids, the City of Auburn, the City of Federal Way, Community Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, Washington Health Foundation’s Community Health Access Program, Swedish Medical Center, the Avon Foundation, Christ Community Free Clinic, the Latino Friendship Center and Grace Community Church.

Teniel Sabin is the Hispanic Community Liaison for the City of Federal Way. Contact: (253) 835-2613 or teniels@cityoffederalway.com.