Health Festival 2024 filled the grounds of Johnson University in Kissimmee in April and was supported by District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, Osceola Community Health Services, and the Office of Congressman Darren Soto.
Through community partnerships, and sponsors that include Kissimmee Utility Authority, SpeedPro Orlando, and South State Bank, The Transition House, MarshMcLennan Agency, and Florida Insurance Trust, the festival offered members of the community free access to healthcare, including vaccinations for COVID-19 and the flu, mammograms, and health screenings. The event was free to the public and included food trucks, entertainment, and engaging activities for children.
“Healthy initiatives have always been a priority for me,” said Commissioner Viviana Janer of District 2. “I’m happy to partner with Osceola Community Health Services on an event that showcases the importance of prioritizing health care and regular check-ups. It’s important to me to advocate for connecting families to needed services. I believe that through collaboration, education, and inclusive initiatives, we can empower residents and provide access to the resources needed for a healthier life.”
Health Festival 2024 brought together community resources throughout Osceola County and Central Florida to ensure that the community remains vigilant about infectious diseases, as well as to educate the public about disease prevention, and health and wellness. Programs administered by OCHS educated the community by addressing health concerns that may be exacerbated by COVID-19 or other underlying conditions. Program providers and managers spoke with potential patients about scheduling appointments. Many members of the community scheduled appointments with Senior Smiles Osceola, the Ryan White HIV/PrEP program, Diabetes, Colorectal Cancer, Breast and Cervical Cancer, and Pharmacy programs. OCHS provided 52 health screenings, including blood pressure checks, mammograms with 3DMobileMammography, COVID-19 vaccinations, registrations with the Senior Smiles Osceola denture program, and scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider.
“Health Festival 2024 was a way for us to give back to the community and meet the healthcare needs of our residents,” said Dr. Belinda Johnson-Cornett, Osceola Community Health Services Chief Executive Officer. “We know the importance of quality healthcare and the barriers some in the community have with access to healthcare. This event provided the opportunity to access important health screenings and education; as well as introduce the wide array of services a community health clinic can offer. Osceola County is a family-focused community, and Health Festival 2024 addressed whole family’s health needs while providing an opportunity for families to enjoy themselves together. Thanks to Congressman Soto, Commissioner Janer, sponsors, and the participating vendors, who supported us to make the festival possible.”
Women were highlighted during black maternal week at the festival and were provided vouchers from Florida Department of Health and AdventHealth to receive a mammogram through Osceola Community Health Services’ partnership with 3D Mobile Mammography. In total, 25 women were able to receive mammograms at no cost to them.
“Health Festival 2024 demonstrated the power of community collaboration in addressing health challenges. The Osceola County Health Services played a pivotal role in orchestrating this collaborative effort. Their dedication was evident in the multitude of services offered, from COVID vaccinations to screenings for various health conditions,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “This festival exemplified the power of community collaboration in addressing health challenges head-on, reaffirming our collective commitment to building a healthier, more resilient future for Central Florida.”
The star-studded festival featured Rumba’s 100.3 morning show host John Musa, Billboard-charting and Shade45 radio host DJ WhooKid, iHeartradio’s DJ Chino, and Fly 103’s host Ricky Padilla. In addition to the DJ lineup, several performing artists entertained festivalgoers, including Afro-Latina Lee Vasi of the Dominican Republic, known for her single “Teach Me,” which amassed one million streams on iTunes. Also performing live was Bachata band Grupo Impress, Florida native and Christian artist Jimmy Kingz, Afrobeat rising sensation King K.C., and LGBTQ advocate Regi Angelou.
