The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), which is dedicated to empowering Hispanic physicians to be leaders who will help eliminate health disparities and improve the health of Hispanics, will be taking action on this front in the Washington D.C.-area.

NHMA will be holding a free Community Health Fair in coordination with the National Quality Forum, American Diversity Group, the Latin American Youth Center and Susan G. Komen Foundation. The fair, which is open to the public, will occur as NHMA is holding its annual conference at the Gaylord National Resort.

The event will include screenings for: blood pressure, body mass index, vision screening (free reading glasses), oral health, blood glucose, spirometry/asthma, HIV, mental health/depression and breast health. Other activities will include: sessions with pharmacists, massage stations, activities for children and cooking demonstrations. There will be a fitness area and attendees will receive a health passport. The D.C. metro area has a Hispanic population of nearly 1 million, making it the 12th largest population center for Hispanics in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that "Hispanic health is often shaped by factors such as language/cultural barriers, lack of access to preventive care, and the lack of health insurance."

NHMA is a non-profit association representing the interests of 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the U.S. WHAT:

Community Health Fair sponsored by National Hispanic Medical Association with National Minority Quality Forum, American Diversity Group, the Latin American Youth Center and Susan G. Komen Foundation

WHEN:

Saturday, March 24 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.