ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Southside Community Center concluded its 4-day Juneteenth celebration with a Health Fair Sunday afternoon.  

From 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., over a dozen health organizations set up booths at the Bernie Milton Pavilion in Ithaca. Cancer screenings, addiction treatment, COVID vaccines, insurance information, dietary programs, and other health services were provided. The event served to encourage black and brown fathers to come out and educate themselves about available healthcare resources. Community members could also provide feedback on healthcare systems to organizations at the fair.  

“Honing in on Father's Day, during Juneteenth, for the Health Fair was brilliant,” Herb Alexander, Chief Diversity Leader for Cayuga Medical Health System, said. “It's important... to give resources and learn from the community about how health organizations can serve the black and brown communities.”  

Southside Community Center started planning the Juneteenth celebration this January. They partnered with Island Health & Fitness, Cayuga Health System, and the Calvary Baptist Church in organizing the health fair. Executive Director of SCC Chavon Bunch says the fair was a great way to end festivities this year, encouraging black fathers to educate their children and themselves.  

“If we can get people aware, give them literature, and go about making appointments, or where to make appointments, we would like to provide that information,” Bunch said. “This was a perfect way to do that.”  

Events coming up at Southside Community Center are posted on the Southside Community Center website.