Successful Health Fair in the DTES

The Downtown Community Health Centre (DCHC) held its third annual Health Fair on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) on Wednesday August 20, 2014.

The fair, previously held in Oppenheimer Park, was relocated at the eleventh hour to the 100 block Princess Avenue. Organizers cordoned off the street, pitched tents, and set up tables with educational information to promote and raise awareness of healthy living. The various clinics and programs within DCHC collaborated with community partners WISH, Options for Sexual Health, Aboriginal Court Workers’ Association, and VCH Health Living Program to engage directly with this vibrant inner city neighbourhood.

More than 100 DTES residents attended the street fair, with many taking up the Passport to Health Challenge. Prizes were generously donated by local merchants Army & Navy and Save On Meats. Endless platters of watermelon were served – a refreshing treat as the day heated up – and community musicians rocked the block throughout the sun-filled afternoon.