The CareSparc Village Health Fest 2024 Returns to New Brunswick
We hope to see you at the Village Health Fest 2024 in New Brunswick, where we will bridge gaps in healthcare inequlity by celebrating community wellness.
CareSparc Community Connections Village Health Fest
We are thrilled to announce our continued partnership with CareSparc Community Connections, bringing the Village Health Fest to life in New Brunswick, New Jersey, for the second year in a row! This collaboration reflects our commitment to improving community health and fostering connections that matter. The event promises to be a significant milestone in our journey to support underserved communities.
The Purpose of the Village Health Fest
CareSparc Community Connections, a non-profit organization, aims to educate, uplift, and connect underserved communities lacking access to proper healthcare. The Village Health Fest is a series of community events designed to reach underserved Black and Brown communities in New Jersey. The first event will be in New Brunswick on Saturday, September 14th. The next will be at Branch Brook Park in Newark on September 21st, and the festival tour will conclude in Atlantic City at the Showboat Hotel on Saturday, October 5th.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Village Health Fest. The presenting sponsor, Johnson & Johnson, has strong roots in New Brunswick. At last year’s event, they highlighted their “My Health Can’t Wait” initiative, emphasizing the urgency of addressing health concerns promptly. The initiative encouraged attendees to prioritize their health and seek medical attention without delay.
Fellow Sponsors and Collaborators
Various sponsors and collaborators will be present at the park to showcase their services and connect the local community with valuable health resources. Attendees will have access to free health screenings that can detect cancer and HIV, as well as free eye exams, meditation demonstrations, and even free produce provided by the Franklin Food Bank. We will also be in the company of State Theatre of New Jersey, New Brunswick Tomorrow, Mental Health Association in New Jersey, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield These offerings ensure that the community receives comprehensive health support in a welcoming and accessible environment.
The Significance of Alice Jennings Archibald Park
Village Health Fest New Brunswick will take place in Alice Jennings Archibald Park on Van Dyke Avenue. This location holds significant meaning. Last year, the event was held at Boyd Park, but Alice Jennings Archibald Park is more centrally located within the community, making it easier to access, especially for those planning to walk to the event.
The park is named after Alice Jennings Archibald, the first African American woman to earn a graduate degree from Rutgers University. After graduating from New Brunswick High School in 1922, she earned her B.A. from Howard University in 1927 before setting a meaningful precedent at Rutgers University. Archibald was an educated and dedicated member of the local community, including her local chapter of The Urban League. She paved the way for African American women in New Brunswick, inspiring them to achieve more than what society deemed acceptable at the time.
In 2021, artist RH Doaz added a four-wall mural centered around Alice’s life and achievements to the park, titled “It is Better to Light a Candle Than Curse The Dark.” With this beautiful backdrop and the surrounding sports fields, this park is the perfect place for the Village Health Fest.
Adding Value to the Health Fest
Our sponsorship of the Health Fest allows Pillar Patient Advocates to share our knowledge and services with our neighbors and colleagues. We aim to spread awareness about the benefits of having a personal patient advocate to help navigate the complex healthcare system. People who feel overwhelmed and confused by the healthcare system can find solace with us by their side.
Additionally, we want to inform attendees about market research opportunities relevant to them. Including diverse perspectives in market research projects is extremely important. While racial minorities are integral to this diversity, there are many facets of diversity across patients. For example, your neighbor may speak the same language and earn a similar income, but their healthcare experience could be entirely different depending on their insurance status and comfort level with healthcare providers. We aim to ensure that each patient knows how to navigate the healthcare system to get the care they deserve from professionals who respect their identity.
By participating in the Village Health Fest, we reinforce our commitment to community health, advocate for comprehensive healthcare access, and celebrate the rich history and contributions of leaders like Alice Jennings Archibald. We look forward to another successful event and the positive impact it will bring to the community.
