Empowered Wellness Foundation to Host Rise & Thrive Back-to-School Community Health Fair August 8

Empowered Wellness Foundation will host the Second Annual Rise & Thrive Back-to-School Community Health Fair presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wayman Palmer YMCA, located at 200 E. Bancroft Street in Toledo.

This family-friendly event is open to the entire community, offering children and families access to essential healthcare services and community resources to help them prepare for a healthy, successful school year – all in one convenient location.

The following resources will be available to attendees at no cost:

●School and sports physicals offered by University of Toledo Department of Pediatrics residents and faculty with support from Mercy Health, ProMedica physicians, Toledo Area Black Physician Group, and Rocket Nation of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Physicals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; no registration or health insurance required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for physicals.

●Backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last).

●Health screenings including weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) checks, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, and cholesterol tests conducted by Mercy Health nurses; lead testing also offered.

●Dental screenings and sealants for children and teens under age 18 from Liberty Dental and the Neighborhood Health Association.

●Breast cancer screenings from Mercy Health’s mobile mammography unit. Appointments required by calling (419) 696-7326.*

●ColoFIT colon cancer screening kits for eligible members from Anthem.

●A supply of diapers for the first 75 families from Anthem.

●Community resources and mental health information from local organizations.

●Family-friendly activities such as face painting, haircuts and braids, a rock-climbing wall, and dancing.

●Food vendors including Bridget Be Cooking, Salvation Army, Rita’s Italian Ice, Buckhead Meats, and Pimento Kitchen.

New this year, the fair will feature MEGA Body™, a giant inflatable walk-through exhibit showcasing the human body’s organs and systems for interactive health education.

The event is hosted by the Empowered Wellness Foundation and presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in collaboration with the Wayman D. Palmer YMCA and the Toledo Area Black Physicians Group. Community sponsors include ProMedica, WesBanco, Sun Federal Credit Union, Mercy Health, The James A. & Mary H. Bell Charitable Foundation, and Dr. Houston Johnson, Jr.

*Mammogram Eligibility Requirements: Individuals must be age 40 or older to receive a mammogram. Participants cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding and should not have current breast issues, such as nipple discharge, lumps, pain, or a breast cancer diagnosis within the past two years. Individuals must be able to walk up and down stairs and stand without the use of aids such as a cane or walker. At least 365 days must have passed since the individual’s last mammogram.