AUSTIN, Texas – Disease prevention and regular health care can save lives and help us stay healthy which is why Austin Public Health (APH) Health Equity Unit and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) invite you to participate in Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Turner-Roberts Recreation Center (7201 Colony Loop Drive, Austin, Texas 78724).  

“As the saying goes: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We need to take care of ourselves and those we love,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “We all have at least one loved one who is too stubborn to address their health and we want to see both of you at this event.” 

Take a Loved One for a Checkup EVENT 

The FREE event includes: 

• Health screenings, including 
  • Blood pressure 
  • Blood sugar 
  • Cholesterol 
• Vision screenings 
• Vaccine shots for adults 
• Health resources 
• Entertainment from 
  • DJ Cysum 
  • LBJ Drumline 
  • Spoken Word 
  • LM Dance Connection 
  • The Groovers 
  • J’s Diamonds Dance Team 
  • Giveaways 
  • Bounce house for kids 
  • Ice cream 

And more! 

Get additional information here. 

Take a Loved One for a Checkup DAY 

Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day encourages individuals to take charge of their health and help their loved ones do the same.  

“This day is designed to focus attention on how important regular health screenings are and provide access to those screenings,” said Interim City Manager Jesús Garza. “We hope people will take advantage of this opportunity for their own wellbeing as well as for their loved ones.” 

Anyone can participate in the day by: 

• Visiting a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, dentist or others. 
• Making an appointment for a visit. 
• Attending a community health event. 
• Helping a friend, neighbor or family member do any of the above.

About Take a Loved One for a Checkup 

The day focuses on helping members of underserved communities get access to the health care and services they need. Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day is vital because too many racial and ethnic minorities are dying prematurely and suffering from preventable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, HIV/ AIDS, infant mortality and vaccine-preventable diseases.  

“Together, through education and by helping people access Austin’s health resources, we can go a long way toward changing this situation,” said APH Program Manager Darrell Barnett. 

While Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day is specifically targeted towards racial and ethnic minorities who suffer from the greatest health gap, the campaign will urge all Americans to focus on prevention and early detection, beginning by going to a health care professional for a checkup.