East Chattanooga residents rank among the highest in the county for infant mortality, sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy, health figures show.
“It’s just overwhelming,” said Cynthia Coleman, a retired social worker who attends church in the community.
To try to stem the tide, Ms. Coleman and other members of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church have joined with other area churches and organizations to host a community health fair and carnival Saturday at the church.
Blood pressure, diabetes and HIV testing will be available at no charge. Blood Assurance will accept blood donations, and residents may sign up for the national bone marrow registry.
Local health officials also will distribute information about dental screenings, infant mortality and teen pregnancy.
“We’re here to educate and enlighten people about the importance of their health,” Ms. Coleman said.
Out of 31 Hamilton County ZIP codes, East Chattanooga residents in the 37406 code rank in the top three highest for rates of infant mortality, sexually transmitted disease and teen births, according to the Hamilton County Health Department.
Ms. Coleman said she was motivated to coordinate a health fair after hearing statistics concerning Hamilton County at a health summit in Nashville.
“They told me that the ZIP code 37406 was the highest in Hamilton County for people diagnosed with HIV,” she said. “We have high numbers of infant mortality, hypertension.
If you go* What: East Chattanooga Health Fair* When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday* Where: New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 2625 N. Chamberlain Ave.* For more information: Call Cynthia Coleman at 504-4075.
“That made me want to do something to get the word out. People don’t know, people like myself.”
To make sure people come to the health fair this weekend, she worked with different church groups and community organizations to also organize a carnival. The Prince Hall Masons will dress up as clowns, and carnival rides will be available to entertain youths, officials said.
The Harriet Tubman Express Choir and youth from Union Hill Baptist Church, also in East Chattanooga, will sing, organizers said.
East Chattanooga resident Linda Zeigler said she looks forward to the event.
“People will not only get helpful health screenings and information,” Ms. Zeigler said. “They can let their kids play at the carnival and talk to the clowns.”
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