MOBILE, Ala. — Franklin Primary Health Center will spend the week of Aug. 2-8 marking National Health Center Week with three free community health and resource fairs, a virtual mental health program and a series of events recognizing the patients, employees and partners who support the organization’s clinics across Mobile and Baldwin counties.
This year’s observance is built around the national theme “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” a framework community health centers nationwide are using during the week to highlight their role in providing primary care to patients regardless of ability to pay.
Franklin’s free, family-friendly Passport to Wellness Community Health & Resource Fairs will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three of its clinic locations. The first fair will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Maysville Medical Center, 1956 Duval Street in Mobile, an event that will also double as the organization’s Patient Appreciation Day. The following day, Wednesday, Aug. 5, the fair moves to North Baldwin Family Health Center, 201 Dolive Street in Bay Minette. The series wraps up Thursday, Aug. 6, at South Baldwin Family Health Center, 1628 North McKenzie Street in Foley.
Each fair is open to the public and welcomes all ages, with activities including blood pressure checks, body mass index assessments, dental and vision screenings, community resource information, games, giveaways and refreshments.
Ahead of the in-person fairs, Franklin will present a free virtual program called “Trauma Effects on Everyday Life” on Monday, Aug. 3, from noon to 1 p.m. The presentation is intended to explore how trauma can shape a person’s emotional, physical and social well-being, and will offer information on healing, coping skills and building resilience. Community members can join the presentation by phone at 1-866-899-4679 using access code 333-867-429.
Beyond the fairs and the virtual session, Franklin said additional activities planned throughout National Health Center Week will highlight the organization’s history, support for individuals experiencing homelessness, and appreciation for its employees and community partners, along with an expression of gratitude to the patients the organization serves.
Franklin Primary Health Center operates as a federally qualified health center, part of a national network of nonprofit clinics that provide primary and preventive care to patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. In Mobile County, Franklin is one of several organizations that make up the local community health center network observing National Health Center Week this year.