LAS CRUCES – Bridge to Health, a newly launched program working to make health resources more accessible, is hosting a free Community Health and Wellness Fair Saturday, Nov. 13 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for wellness testing, COVID-19 vaccinations, health insurance enrollment and more.
According to a news release, the program connects members of the community to free health screenings and testing, educational resources and other local services. They are supported by Quest Diagnostics’ Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) initiative. The goal is to improve equity in regard to health in underserved communities.
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“Access to health services is vital, especially as many people have had to delay routine care due to the pandemic,” said Mandell Jackson, vice president and general manager for Q4HE. “By joining forces with trusted community organizations, we hope to team up and collectively address the needs of the community in a more comprehensive way.”
On Saturday, Bridge to Health will launch its first community event in Las Cruces at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, at 255 W. Griggs Ave. A similar event will be hosted in Albuquerque on Dec. 11 and various other parts of the state going forward.
Free on-site wellness testing and screenings will be available for the first 150 adults in Las Cruces Saturday. Free appointments will be made for others. Tests include:
Other services at the health fair include COVID-19 vaccinations, help with beWellnm health insurance enrollment, community resource fair for enrollment in local programs and services, healthy food giveaway for the first 200 families (includes fresh fruits and vegetables), a kids’ zone and entertainment for all attendees. 
“St. Paul’s is happy to support this important event for the community as an extension of our ministry to Las Cruces,” said Rev. Greg Kennedy, pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. “We hope the community will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity and the Bridge to Health program.”
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Free public transportation will also be provided in Las Cruces Saturday for people to attend the fair. Bus rides will be free the entire day, compliments of the City of Las Cruces RoadRUNNER Transit.
Bridge to Health’s website also aides in connecting with nearby resources through their online Family Resource Connector tool.
More information can be found on the program’s website at www.bridgetohealth.com or www.bridgetohealth.com/es/ for the Spanish version.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, lromero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

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