Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The third annual CHOICES Health and Community Resources Expo takes place Saturday July 31, 2010 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-purpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  All services and activities at the Expo are offered free of charge.

At the event, residents may apply for CHOICES Health Services, Florida Kidcare, Alachua County’s Pre-Kindergarten program and public food and income assistance programs.  “Residents save time and money by applying for and receiving various health, educational and public assistance services in one place, on the same day.” says Marie Small, CHOICES Outreach Manager. 

Local health organizations will provide free immunizations for children, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, massage therapy sessions and health education materials.  The University of Florida Mobile Outreach Clinic will provide medical services and consultations on-site.  County and city crime prevention officers will offer free child identification cards.  Children's can participate in face painting and other fun educational activities.  In addition, many guests will receive door prizes and special giveaways.

In keeping with CHOICES’ health promotion initiatives, local fitness trainers will introduce guests to inexpensive exercise alternatives.  Among such alternatives are Soul Line Dancing and Zumba Aerobics.  One-hour and 30 minutes sessions are available at the expo.

CHOICES is committed to increasing access to health care in Alachua County.  Currently, the program is providing medical and dental care to 3,178 Alachua County residents.  CHOICES also supports Helping Hands Clinic and the University of Florida’s Equal Access Clinic and Mobile Outreach Clinic.

For more information about the CHOICES Health and Community Resources Expo, contact Marie Small at 352-264-6739 or mdsmall@alachuacounty.us. 

For more information or to apply for CHOICES Health Services, call 352-264-6772 or visit www.ACCHOICES.com.