Regional Health Systems channels the spirit of the summer at National Health Center Week block party event   

On Wednesday, August 6, Regional Health Systems hosted its annual Block Party at its Hammond Primary Care location on State Street in celebration of National Health Center Week. Regional Health Systems, one of Regional Care Group’s three subsidiary organizations, supplies the community with a variety of services, including mental health care, addiction treatment, and primary health care. The Block Party, which fell on the third day of the festivities and was free to the public, combined all of the fun of a summer party with the informational and educational benefits of a health fair.

Regional Health Systems kicked off its National Health Center Week festivities by celebrating Staff Appreciation Day on Monday, August 4. They also hosted a Wellness Event on Monday at their East Chicago Care Center, which offered chair yoga and resources about hypertension, safer use/safer sex, healthy food choices and more. Friday was designated Partner Appreciation Day, and Saturday closed out the week with a day of gratitude and exploring Regional Health Systems’ vision for the future.

“It’s important for community members to be aware of all of the resources that are available to them,” said Doctor Rujuta Gandhi, M.D., medical director of primary care at Regional Health Systems. “At Regional Health Systems, we offer resources like mental health services, outreach, dental care, and primary care. We also have terrific community partners, and we want to spread the word about the services they offer as well. This event is always so much fun.”

Over 18 community partners set up vendor booths to offer services, information, and resources to Hammond residents who came to the event. Among the vendors were the Department of Community Development, Hammond Public Library, Kauffman Chiropractic, and the Childcare Resource and Referral Network. Labcorp, Geminus, Humana, MySchoolOptions, Anthem, CoAction, and Gary Harm Reduction were present as well.

“Many individuals aren’t always aware of the many services that are offered right here in their community,” Gandhi said. “Sometimes, people are nervous when visiting a clinic or discussing medical topics. However, this event offers a way for local residents to learn more about the services open to them in a low-pressure environment. This is a fun way of showcasing what we at Regional Health Systems and our community partners have to offer.”

Among the free services that were offered at the Block Party were hypertension and blood pressure testing, dental screenings in the Regional Health Systems Mobile Health Clinic, and free haircuts by Denmark College students. Face-painting, backpack distribution, and balloon modelling were other free services offered at the event. Rusty the RailCat, the mascot of the Gary SouthShore RailCats baseball team, joined the party to hand out free tickets to an upcoming RailCats game along with several Regional Health System-branded t-shirts. He made sure to take photos with attendees of all ages.

Regional Health Systems provided the attendees with food like burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and soda. A Kona Ice truck arrived to help everyone present keep cool in the summer heat. Each attendee was given a ticket so they could enjoy a cup of delicious Kona shaved ice free of charge. DJ Coles took the party to the next level by playing tunes like “Cha-Cha Slide” by DJ Casper, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy, and “Boots in the Ground” by 803Fresh. The attendees couldn’t help but dance and sing along!

“I hope that everyone in attendance today understands that we are embedded in this community,” Gandhi said. “I believe that the Block Party demonstrates that we’re approachable, accessible, and always available to help. We’d like for them to think of Regional Health Systems whenever they need assistance. We’re here for them.”

If you would like to learn more about Regional Health Systems, please visit rhs.care.