Health Block Party (Flagship Community Event)

A high-energy, family-centered event that brings free health services, screenings, education, and joy directly into the neighborhood. Anchored in your THRIVE vision, it normalizes talk therapy, mental wellness, and breastfeeding support while connecting families to resources on the spot.

Core goals

Increase access to screenings and prevention (BP, BMI, mental health check-ins)
Boost safe sleep and breastfeeding knowledge
Connect families to ongoing care (clinics, WIC, doulas, IBCLCs, CHWs)
Celebrate community with music, food, and play

Signature features

Free screenings & referrals
Safe Sleep “Clear the Crib” demos + crib/pack-and-play distribution (as available)
Lactation lounge & infant feeding support
Fitness & fresh food zone
Stage programming: line dancing, storytelling, youth arts, yoga

Health Equity Programming (Year-Round)

An integrated set of workshops, pop-ups, and partnerships that extend the impact of the Health Block Party all year.

Program strands

Breastfeeding & Perinatal Equity: pop-up lactation clinics, IBCLC office hours, C-BMC student practicums
Mental Health & Healing: “Let’s Talk” circles, therapy warm handoffs, grief & parenting groups
Fatherhood & Family Wellness: skills classes, co-parenting support, father-led fitness and reading hours
Youth Arts & Advocacy (Rootwork): art builds, policy storytelling, gallery events
Care Access & Navigation: Medicaid literacy, insurance enrollment, provider matchmaking
Food & Movement: cooking demos, farmers’ market partners, walking clubs

Outcomes

Measurable increases in linkage to care
Improved breastfeeding initiation/continuation
Safer sleep practices adopted
Reduced stigma around therapy and help-seeking

What It Is

The Health Block Party is our signature community festival for wellness, healing, and fun. Families access free screenings, safe sleep education, lactation support, mental health check-ins, food demos, and more—without barriers. It’s care that looks and feels like us: culturally rooted, welcoming, and practical.

What You’ll Find (Zones)

1) Health Screenings

Blood pressure, diabetes risk, BMI, dental checks
On-the-spot referrals to clinics & community health workers

2) Infant Safety

Clear the Crib: safe sleep demos + equipment distribution (as available)
Diaper & hygiene support via Community Care Closet

3) Mental Health

Quick mental health screenings, therapy warm handoffs
Calm corner (zumba, breathwork, yoga minis)
Story circles, book giveaways, local DJs/MCs

4) Cardiovascular Health

Line dancing, double-dutch, kids’ obstacle course
Education and training

Get Involved

An integrated set of workshops, pop-ups, and partnerships that extend the impact of the Health Block Party all year.

Volunteer

Greeters, youth zone, lactation support, data capture, set-up/tear-down.

Vendors & Partners

Health agencies, small businesses, barbers/beauty, food trucks (healthy options), nonprofits.

Donate/Sponsor

Sponsor safe sleep kits, lactation supplies, or a family wellness zone.

Impact

“Health showed up for us—right where we are.” — Attendee (to date)

Past highlights

1,000+ attendees served
300+ safe sleep kits & cribs distributed (with partners)
250+ lactation consults and referrals
500+ screenings with warm handoffs to care

FAQs

Is it really free? Yes. Services, activities, and most giveaways are free.

Do I need to register? Walk-ups welcome; RSVP helps us plan.

Will there be baby-feeding support? Yes—IBCLCs and counselors on site.

What if I need follow-up care? We provide referrals and can help schedule appointments.

Contact: info@keepersofblack.org