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City of Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact: APHMedia        Email

The City of Austin, Austin Public Health (APH) and the Del Valle Independent School District invite everyone to the FREE Fiesta de Salud Health Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary School (4601 Hound Dog Trail, Austin, Texas 78725).  

The annual event is meant to inspire our communities to live healthier lives in fun ways with an emphasis on Hispanic culture. At the health fair, you’ll find live entertainment, community resources, health screenings, immunizations for kids and adults and more.  

“This health-party makes it easier for the whole family to take the first step in staying healthy by getting up to date on vaccines and basic health checks like blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “We want you to bring your family, friends and coworkers to celebrate wellbeing for free.”

Last year, 253 participants of all ages got 129 vaccines, 50 dental exams and 40 health screenings. 125 families took home food boxes.  

There are ongoing disparities in health outcomes in Austin-Travis County according to the 2023 Critical Health Indicators Report from APH. Black and Hispanic residents are almost two times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than white residents and Black individuals are almost three times more likely to die of diabetes-related complications. Additionally, Black individuals are 57% more likely to die of heart disease and 34% more likely to die of cancer compared to white residents.  

Fiesta de Salud is one of three annual events meant to highlight these problems, promote health equity and encourage our community to take proactive steps to manage their health.  

Free Health Resources and Family Fun  

Fiesta de Salud is a FREE event to get up to date with vaccines and basic health screenings. Everyone is welcome, regardless of insurance or citizenship status.  

APH teams will be there to give:  

vaccines to all who are eligible, including  

  • Influenza (flu)  
  • Mpox
  • Pneumococcal vaccine
  • Shingles vaccine
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB)
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Polio
  • Meningococcal
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Measles, Mumps Rubella, Varicella (MMRV)
  • Varicella (VAR)
  • vision screenings  
  • blood pressure screenings  
  • A1C (hemoglobin) tests  
  • blood sugar (glucose) screenings (please don’t eat two hours before)  
  • cholesterol screenings (please don’t eat eight hours before)  

Vaccines and screenings are first come, first serve. Limited availability.  

The fiesta includes entertainment with performances by Maricruz Ballet Folklórico, Danza Azteca Guadalupana de Austin, Golden Aces line dance and Elena's Fiestas-Peru. Treats and activities will also be available.  

Come join us for family-friendly fun, including:  

  • Paletas
  • Aquas frescas
  • Fruit cups
  • Pan dulce
  • Bounce house
  • Face painting
  • Balloon twisting
  • Austin Fire Department Engine and Fire Safety Trailer
  • Lotería/bingo
  • Door prizes including 20 bicycles sponsored by The Yellow Bike Project
  • Food boxes  
  • And much more!  

Parking is available on-site. Interpretation and American Sign Language (ASL) services will be available.    

For more information, visit austintexas.gov/fiestadesalud2024 or call 512-972-5560.  

We’ll see you there! Viva Mexico! 

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