CHATHAM, Ill. — Block Club Chicago is hosting a free South Side Health & Wellness Fest on Saturday, November 7, at the Shine Bright Community Center, 8560 S. Cottage Grove. More than 25 local partners will gather to provide health screenings, insurance counseling, fitness activities, and family‑friendly resources for residents of Chatham and the surrounding South Side neighborhoods.
Event details and registration
The festival opens at 9 a.m. with a community walk/run led by Read & Run Chicago and Chicago Run. Participants can choose from several distance and pace groups. Guinness World Record holder Joabe Barbosa, known for running every block in the city and for challenging negative stereotypes of Chicago’s South and West sides, will be on hand to kick off the festivities.
Registration is free and encouraged; attendees can sign up in advance here. Walk‑ins are also welcome.
Health services and resources
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dozens of community partners will offer a range of services, including:
- Blood‑pressure checks and cardiac ultrasounds
- Insurance enrollment assistance for Medicaid, Medicare and private plans
- Mental‑health and behavioral‑health referrals
- Free dental care kits
- Meet‑and‑greet with local midwives
- Chair massages
Two local workout groups will lead low‑impact and high‑impact exercise classes, while community healer Pilar Audain will conduct guided meditation sessions.
Family‑friendly activities
At noon, a free meal will be served to up to 250 attendees. Juice and tea vendors will provide samples, and Chicago’s beloved “Bubble Lady” may appear with her signature bubble‑making machine, adding a playful touch for children and adults alike.
Sponsors and partners
The event is sponsored by Rush University Medical Center and the Chicago Vein Institute. Additional partners span healthcare, insurance, mental‑health, nutrition, maternal care, fitness, and local businesses. A full partner list is available on the event page.
Why the fest matters
Decades of disinvestment have left Chicago’s South Side facing significant health‑equity gaps, resulting in shorter life expectancies and reduced quality of life for many residents. By bringing free medical screenings, insurance guidance, wellness activities, and community connection under one roof, the festival aims to narrow those gaps and empower families to take charge of their health.
Block Club Chicago’s South Side reporters have long documented grassroots efforts to improve health outcomes in the area. This festival represents a tangible step toward turning those stories into action.
How to get involved
Community members who wish to volunteer, donate, or learn more about the event can contact the organizers at [email protected]. The festival welcomes anyone who wants to learn, get screened, or simply enjoy a day of community spirit.
For more information, visit Block Club Chicago’s website or follow their social‑media channels for updates leading up to the event.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
