Indiana Black Expo’s Health Fair Continues a 40-Year Legacy of Health Equity
For four decades, Indiana Black Expo’s Health Fair has worked to make healthcare more accessible for communities across Indiana. As the event celebrates its 40-year legacy, it continues providing free screenings, education and resources to help improve health outcomes for thousands of Hoosiers.
Writer: Kevin Vazquez
As Indiana Black Expo (IBE) prepares to celebrate the 55th anniversary of its Summer Celebration, one of its most impactful traditions is also marking a significant milestone. This year’s Health Fair will commemorate 40 years of providing free health screenings, education, and wellness resources to thousands of Hoosiers during one of the nation’s largest cultural celebrations.
According to Indiana Black Expo President and CEO Alice Watson, the Health Fair remains one of the organization’s most important community initiatives. “The intent of the health fair is to really serve the Black, Brown and underserved communities,” Watson said. “The need is greater than ever before because there is still a huge disparity among those who lack insurance and access to healthcare.”
The Health Fair will take place July 17-20 as part of Summer Celebration, beginning with a special Senior Day on Thursday. Seniors will receive dedicated access to health services and transportation assistance from designated locations throughout the city. The event then opens to the public through Sunday at the Indiana Convention Center.
Participants can receive a wide variety of free services, including blood pressure screenings, diabetes testing, blood work, physicals, immunizations, maternal health information, and other preventive care services. “What makes us unique is the ability to get $4,000 worth of free services, testing and immunizations,” Watson said. “The services are free. Everything is free.”
“The services are free. Everything is free.”
— Alice Watson
Recognizing June as Men’s Health Month and the unique health challenges facing African American men, IBE is placing a stronger emphasis on men’s wellness this year. Prostate cancer screenings and blood testing will be available, and a new men’s health panel discussion will address issues impacting Black men.
“Men don’t always go to the doctor on a regular basis,” Watson said. “We’re trying to be more intentional this year and focus on where there have been gaps.”
“A longtime supporter of the event, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield continues to play a vital role in making the Health Fair possible. Watson emphasized that Anthem’s contribution extends far beyond sponsorship dollars.
“We have a lot of our medical services and health organizations that come in and volunteer a lot of their time and services,” Watson said. “Of course, we can always use the monetary help, and many of them provide that as well, but they’re actually there for days serving the community. Anthem is one of those organizations, and we’re really grateful for what they do.”
Watson noted that Anthem’s team works closely with Health Fair organizers to identify unmet needs and fill service gaps rather than duplicating efforts already being provided by other healthcare partners.
For more information about the Health Fair and the complete Summer Celebration schedule, visit SummerCelebration.net.
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