Howard Brown Health Hosts Annual Diabetes Resource Fair to Boost Awareness and Access (Chicago, IL) – Howard Brown Health marked National Diabetes Month with its third annual Diabetes Resource and Education Fair, a free community event aimed at expanding awareness, improving prevention, and connecting residents to culturally responsive health resources.
The fair, offered in both English and Spanish, drew patients, families, and community partners for a full day of activities at the LGBTQ-focused health center. The program included a health equity and technology panel moderated by Dr. Geraldine Luna, MD, MPH; a live cooking demonstration led by entrepreneur and chef Itiona “Essie Marie” Scott; and an education and movement session with Paulo Colby of The Wellness Collective. Attendees also visited a resource expo, received free blood pressure and glucose screenings, and accessed flu, COVID-19, and MPOX vaccinations. A Thanksgiving-themed lunch catered by CMB Catering rounded out the event.
“The Diabetes Awareness Fair brings people together to learn, connect and take control of their health,” said Dr. Travis Gayles, CEO of Howard Brown Health. “By meeting people where they are, offering resources in multiple languages and partnering with leaders across the city, we’re helping to close gaps in access and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live healthy, full lives.”
Diabetes remains one of the most common diagnoses across Howard Brown’s clinics. Nationally, the condition affects more than 38 million Americans—roughly 11.6% of the population—according to the CDC, with another 97.6 million adults living with prediabetes. While the disease can impact anyone, certain racial and ethnic groups, including Black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian communities, face elevated risks linked to inequities in access to preventive care, healthy food, and other social determinants of health.
Howard Brown officials say the annual fair has quickly become a central part of the organization’s outreach efforts, offering education, screenings and support to help patients identify risk factors early and better manage chronic conditions. Now in its third year, the event reflects the health center’s broader mission to provide comprehensive, affirming care to communities across Chicago.
Howard Brown Health Hosts Annual Diabetes Resource Fair to Boost Awareness and Access
