The Indianapolis Public Library is inviting residents to its second annual Black Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Library located at 40 E. St. Clair St. This free, family‑friendly event is designed to connect the Black community with vital health resources and to spark open conversations about wellness.
What attendees can expect
More than 40 health‑focused vendors will be on hand, offering a range of services and information. Highlights include:
- The Damien Center – providing information on HIV testing, counseling and prevention.
- Marion County Public Health Department – sharing resources on diabetes prevention, management and education.
- Dieudonné Foundation – offering guidance on maternal health, prenatal care and access to doulas for families.
- Local clinics, nutritionists, mental‑health counselors and fitness experts ready to answer questions and provide free literature.
All vendors are committed to delivering culturally competent care and resources that respect the values of families and faith‑based communities.
Why the fair matters
Health disparities continue to affect Black residents of Indianapolis, especially in areas such as chronic disease management, maternal health and access to preventive care. By gathering a broad spectrum of providers in one accessible location, the fair aims to reduce barriers, empower individuals with knowledge and encourage proactive health decisions.
“Our goal is to share community resources and have meaningful conversations about health in the Black community,” said a spokesperson for the Center for Black Literature & Culture, which hosts the event. “When families have the information they need, they can make choices that protect their well‑being and strengthen our neighborhoods.”
How to participate
The event is open to everyone, with no registration required. Attendees can simply walk in during the four‑hour window, pick up informational brochures, schedule on‑site screenings where available, and speak directly with experts. Parking is available in the library’s adjacent lot, and public transportation options include IndyGo routes that stop nearby.
For those who cannot attend in person, the library plans to post a summary of resources and contact information on its website after the fair.
Supporting organizations
The fair is organized by the Center for Black Literature & Culture, a program housed within the Central Library that promotes Black arts, literature and cultural initiatives. Funding for the event comes from a combination of library budget allocations, local nonprofit grants and community donations.
Mirror Indy, the nonprofit newsroom that originally reported on the fair, notes that the library’s commitment to health equity aligns with broader city efforts to improve public‑health outcomes for underserved populations.
What’s next?
Following the success of the inaugural fair last year, organizers hope to expand the program in future years, adding more specialty clinics and extending outreach to neighboring counties. Community members are encouraged to share feedback with the library staff to help shape upcoming events.
For additional details, visit the Indianapolis Public Library’s website or contact the library’s community outreach department.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
