FLINT, Michigan — Hamilton Community Health Network (HCHN) is set to host a series of events to celebrate National Health Center Week from August 6 to August 9, offering free resources and activities to enhance community health and well-being.
The theme for this year’s National Health Center Week is “Powering Our Community through Caring Connections,” reflecting HCHN’s commitment to fostering strong, supportive relationships within the community.
Stacy Sawyer, Director of Communications and Marketing at HCHN, emphasizes the significance of this week for the Flint community.
“National Health Center Week is a celebration that highlights the essential role of health centers in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to all, particularly in underserved communities like Flint,” says Sawyer.
“For Flint, it underscores the ongoing efforts to address health disparities, provide comprehensive services, and support community resilience and recovery. Here at Hamilton, we are trying to bridge the accessibility gap and bring health services to the community.”
The events and activities include:
Healthcare for the Homeless Day
Kicking off the week is Healthcare for the Homeless Day on Tuesday, August 6, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hamilton-Flint clinic located at 812 Root St. This event aims to provide essential services to those struggling with securing permanent housing.
Attendees will have access to showers, laundry services, vaccines, free clothing, and more. “This event provides a safe and supportive environment for the homeless community to receive the care they need, along with music, fun, and lunch,” Sawyer explains.
Hamilton’s Healthy Harvest Food Giveaway
On Wednesday, August 7, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Hamilton’s Healthy Harvest food giveaway will take place outside the North Pointe clinic at 5710 Clio Rd. The event, in partnership with Flint Fresh, will distribute fresh produce to the community for free. Attendees can also enjoy games, music, and treats from the Kona Ice truck.
Family Fun Day
The highlight of the week is Family Fun Day, scheduled for Friday, August 9, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Hamilton’s Main clinic at 2900 N. Saginaw St.
“This event is very special because we have over 30+ community partners showing up and ready to take on the fun day! We also have a delicious meal provided by Maude's Alabama BBQ and we give out many prizes in a raffle drawing, like a 65' television, bicycles, gift cards, and more!” Sawyer enthusiastically notes.
The event will feature activities for the whole family, including bounce houses, resources, and various prizes. Family Fun Day will also include the University of Michigan’s Mobile Mammography bus, providing on-site breast cancer screenings.
“We have a long relationship with the University of Michigan Medicine. The Mobile Mammography screening bus provides another resource for women to receive a vital annual screening,” says Sawyer.
Participants can tour the bus and learn about the importance of mammograms.
A unique feature this year is the enormous colon display. “This colon is a walk-through exhibit that allows people to see the difference between a healthy colon and one that is not healthy. We want patients to walk away understanding how to reduce their risk factors and the symptoms of colon disease,” says Sawyer.
A Message to the Community
Sawyer encourages the Flint community to take advantage of these events: “If you are looking for a new medical provider, dentist, therapist, or even a new pharmacy, Hamilton can help you,” she explains. “These events are a great opportunity to meet the staff and even talk to some of our providers. Remember, Hamilton serves anyone regardless of ability to pay.”
Hamilton Community Health Network can provide free or low-cost health screenings, depending on your health insurance and income. Learn more by visiting HamiltonCHN.org online or by calling 810-406-4246.