HealthCare Network celebrates National Health Center Week

Physical activity demonstration sessions, nutritional smoothies and free gifts are being offered to the public today at Porterville Family HealthCare Network Health Center, 1107 W. Poplar Ave., as the center celebrates National Health Center Week and Thursday’s National Farmworker Health Day.

“The second week of August each year is dedicated to recognizing the service and contributions of community, migrant, homeless and public housing health centers in providing access to affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to medically vulnerable and underserved people in the United States,” Janet Paine, spokesperson for Family HealthCare Network, said.

But this year, the commemoration is special because it also marks the 45th anniversary of the creation of the Health Centers Program.

“It’s amazing how people can work in the field,” Isabel Olmos, community outreach manager of Porterville Family HealthCare, said. “I often ask myself, ‘How can they do it?’ That’s why we are offering water bottles and other things they may need to help them against heat stroke.”

Physical activity sessions will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 3 to 4 p.m.

Nutritional smoothies will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 3 p.m.

All of the Central Valley Health Network centers are observing the week-long celebration by offering information on health services, screening, education and information on wellness and chronic disease prevention.

For more information, call PFHC at 781-7242.