For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jhoana Molina, Public Health: (602) 722-0509
Media B-Roll available at https://www.youtube.com/user/MCDPHaz
PHOENIX (September 11, 2018) – Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s Building Bridges to Health Network, in partnership with Metrocenter Mall and first responders, will celebrate National Preparedness Month with its 10th annual multicultural emergency preparedness expo on Saturday, Sept. 22th. This year’s theme, Disasters Happen, Prepare Now – Los Desastres Suceden, Preparese Ahora reminds the community about the importance of personal preparedness.
“From floods to power outages, emergencies can happen anywhere at any time,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for Disease Control at Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “Events like these remind us about all of the things we can do both individually and as a community to be prepared for large and small emergencies. Everything from checking on your neighbors on hot days to getting vaccinated can play a role in emergency preparedness and response.”
More than 45 agencies will be featured at this year’s Expo, offering activities and services related to first aid, evacuation planning, caring for pets in a disaster, how to deal with stress during emergencies, dealing with chronic conditions during emergencies such as heart and stroke as well as what documents to have handy in case of an emergency. New this year, we will offer health screenings such as mammograms, diabetes testing, dental screenings and a Women and Family special event in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Phoenix. Expo visitors will also have the opportunity to receive free first aid kits, bikes, bike helmets, car seats and the uninsured adults can get FREE flu immunizations.
All event activities will be free of charge.
WHEN
Saturday, September 22, 2018, 10am – 2pm (Indoor events and activities 1st level of mall, north of Harkin theaters)
WELCOME & MEDIA AVAILABILITY AT 11:30AM
Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, Maricopa County Public Health
Claudia Franco Hijuelos, Cónsul General de México en Phoenix
WHERE
Metrocenter Mall, 1st level north of Harkin Theaters
9617 N. Metro Parkway W., Phoenix, AZ 85051
More information
Please visit www.WeArePublicHealth.org www.SomosSaludPublica.org
Facebook.com/MCDPH or Twitter.com/MaricopaHealth Twitter.com/SaludMaricopa
###
The Building Bridges to Health is an initiative hosted by Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Its goal is to facilitate communication and outreach with community partners that work with vulnerable or hard to reach populations to provide timely, accurate and culturally appropriate information and materials on topics such as emergency preparedness, pandemics and health related topics that affect Maricopa County. Maricopa County Public Health serves more than 4 million residents and is committed to working with diverse partners to make the county a more resilient place to live for all.