Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit, St. Clair County Transit District, Bureau of Transit Police, Metro Transit Public Safety, Chestnut Health Systems™, University of Missouri–St. Louis and AARP in St. Louis are teaming up to host FREE, pop-up health fairs at the Emerson Park and North Hanley Transit Centers – on Friday, March 18, 2022. These events are part of a joint effort encouraging transit riders, and the community at large, to “Step into a Healthier You in 2022 with Transit” by providing access to an array of health and wellness resources and reinforcing how the region’s interconnected public transit system gets residents where they need to go – including doctors’ offices, hospitals, pharmacies, dentists, workout facilities, grocery stores and other establishments that promote health and wellness.
The pop-up health fair at the Emerson Park Transit Center (929 15th Street, East St. Louis, IL 62205) will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the one at the North Hanley Transit Center (4300 Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63134) will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those in attendance can gain access to a wide variety of resources ranging from primary physician visits during 30-minute time slots via the Chestnut Mobile Unit, healthy foods, COVID-19 vaccinations, at-home test kits and dental health supplies to giveaways from AARP in St. Louis, information about job opportunities in transit, free weekly passes from Move by BJC (a fitness center in St. Louis Cortex) and a wealth of information about community programming. Different resources will be available at the two health fairs. For a complete listing of what can be accessed where, visit here and below.
“The transit system in our region can get people where they need to go – while offering a physical activity component that isn’t top of mind for many,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director for Citizens for Modern Transit. “These events will provide access to a wide variety of free wellness resources while educating those in attendance about the many benefits of using transit.”
As part of the morning commute on Friday, March 18, transit ambassadors and other volunteers will be at several different Metro Transit Centers handing out stress balls that say, “Ride and Relax” and information about the lunchtime health fairs taking place later that day.
This is part of the partnering organizations’ ongoing efforts designed to interact with riders, strengthen relationships and reinforce their collective commitment to a safe, comfortable, customer-focused transit experience.
Timeframes for both events and details on what individuals can gain access to can be found below:
EMERSON PARK TRANSIT CENTER from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
929 15th Street, East St. Louis, IL 62205
- Chestnut Mobile Unit
This mobile doctor’s office will provide free access to a primary physician during 30-minute time slots scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and at no cost. Those who are unable to be seen or have needs beyond what can be addressed that day will be referred to the Chestnut Family Health Center in Granite City for a future appointment. - Chestnut Health Navigators
Health Navigators will be onsite to address general health questions tied to COVID, diet, smoking cessation, and more. - Chestnut Substance Abuse Prevention Team
Team members will be available to educate attendees about substance abuse and the use of Narcan and offer them resources. - Free COVID-19 Vaccinations and At-Home Test Kits
First and second doses of the Moderna vaccines will be available for residents over the age of 12, and the Moderna booster will be available for those who received their second dose of the vaccine at least six months ago Those who are interested and have already received at least one dose should bring their Covid-19 vaccination card with them. Free rapid, at-home test kits will also be available. - Information about the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
The St. Clair County Health Department will be onsite with giveaways and screening and program information about the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. - Free Dental Health Supplies courtesy of Delta Dental of Missouri
- Free Healthy Lunch (one voucher per person until gone)
- Registration for the Benefit Access Program
Representatives will be onsite to help those eligible to register for the Benefit Access Program in Illinois, which offers seniors and persons with disabilities free rides on fixed-route transit systems. - Registration for the CMT’s Ten Toe Express Program
Representatives will be onsite to register those interested in participating in the 2022 Spring Ten Toe Express Session. This initiative helps individuals lead healthier lives by linking them with activity, sociability, and exercise through the use of MetroLink and MetroBus. - SCCTD’s Summer Riding Program
Representatives will be onsite handing out information about the Summer Riding Program, a free, summer-long program encouraging residents to actively explore the MetroBikeLink System and win prizes. - Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House
The Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House is a United Methodist community center whose mission is to improve the quality of life for residents of all ages by providing quality early childhood development services, comprehensive youth services, individual and family support services, services to older adults, and housing economic development services which will help move individuals and families out of poverty.
NORTH HANLEY TRANSIT CENTER from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4300 North Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63134
- Access to Fresh Produce and Family Meal Staples
The St. Louis Area Food Bank is bringing its Food on the Move Trailer. This 28-foot mobile pantry will provide access to free produce, shelf staples and more. They will also provide SNAP Application assistance, as well as nutrition education and cooking demonstrations. - Free Giveaways from AARP in St. Louis
- Free Dental Health Supplies courtesy of Delta Dental of Missouri
- Educational Materials from the St. Louis County Health Department
Representatives from the St. Louis County Health Department will be on-site to promote current programs and resources and provide educational materials. - Registration for the CMT’s Ten Toe Express Program
Representatives will be onsite to register those interested in participating in the 2022 Spring Ten Toe Express Session. This initiative helps individuals lead healthier lives by linking them with activity, sociability, and exercise through the use of MetroLink and MetroBus. - Info about Job Opportunities through the St. Louis County Police Department
Representatives will provide information about career information and opportunities, including the physical fitness qualifications for commissioned police officer positions. - Info about the St. Louis County Police Department’s Community Engagement Efforts
Officers representing the Police Athletic League Partnership with the community will be on hand, providing parents with information about how to get children involved in free activities to foster healthy physical fitness and positive relationships with law enforcement within their community. - Ability to Weigh-in on the Transit Stop Transformation Project
Representatives of Added Dimension will be onsite to discuss the efforts underway to transform the North Hanley Transit Center and obtain input from riders. - Free Weekly Passes for Move by BJC
BJC representatives will be offering free weekly passes for its fitness center in St. Louis Cortex as well as program and class information. - Learn about Job Opportunities through Bi-State Development
BSD Recruiting will highlight job opportunities and promote job fairs and bonus programs. - Free Transit Passes
Metro Transit will be onsite with transit information, giveaways, and free passes.
