General Consulate of Mexico kicks off its Bi-National Health Week at El Zocalo
Saturday October 4th marked the start of the Bi-National Health Week, and event sponsored by The Mexican Consulate in Chicago, The Resurrection Project along with other 9 other South American consulates. The Zocalo plaza hosted this event in which people were able to enjoy a sunny Saturday afternoon full of music and dancing while learning about healthy living.
Over 200 took advantage of the free services available at the event
Alex Morales - TRP
The Bi-National Health Week consists of a series of fairs promoting health education among the Latino community by offering free medical exams, vaccinations and information on preventing diseases and access to medical services. Over 200 people visited El Zocalo on October 4 to take advantage of the different health screenings available free of charge. HIV, glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure screenings were provided along with physical therapy and dental cleanings.
The Bi-National Health Week, organized by the General Consulate of Mexico, is an annual event expanded this year from 7 to 11 days, occurring Saturday October 4th to October 15th here in Illinois as well as in Wisconsin. Bi-National Health Week counts on the participation of other South American consulates to promote the event to their constituency, thus bringing Latinos from all backgrounds together. Consulates from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Peru and Uruguay all participated in the event as well as provided the folkloric acts that performed during the event.
Other local entities present at the event included The Office of the Attorney General Lisa Madigan, UNO
Consulates from South and Central America sponsored this event spearheaded by the General Consulate of Mexico in Chicago
Alex Morales - TRP
Charter Schools, Access Community Health Network, SOS Children´s Villages Illinois, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Alcoholics Anonymous, El Valor and Life Source
“As it is part of the New Communities Program to promote the health and well being of our communities, it is important to highlight those networks that exist to support us Latinos” stated Alex Morales, New Communities Program Organizer for The Resurrection Project. “Consulates, local government, medical institutions and other non-for-profit organizations here have the opportunity to synchronize in order to effectively collaborate in the near future”.