By Bronx Post News Desk

Edited by Mutiu Olawuyi


Residents, health professionals, sponsors and community organizations gathered at the Northeast Bronx YMCA on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for the 2026 Annual Health Fair, “Health Is Wealth,” a community-centered event focused on wellness, prevention, education and support for Bronx families.

The health fair brought together local leaders and service providers to connect residents with practical health resources, screenings and guidance. The event highlighted the importance of early prevention, healthy eating, mental health support and access to information for families navigating healthcare systems.

Dr. Gloria Bent, a nutritionist and dietitian, played a key role in organizing the resources, health professionals and partners who helped make the event successful. Her leadership helped ensure that attendees could access health education, wellness services and community-based support in one place.

The event was also supported by Patricia Kerr, founder and CEO of I Am a Better Me! Inc. and past president of the North Bronx Section of the National Council of Negro Women, who participated as a vendor.

“It was an honor to take part in such a powerful community event,” Kerr said. “When we come together to share resources and encourage healthy living, we help build a stronger, healthier Bronx.”

The health fair was held in partnership with Lisa Dawson, current president of the North Bronx Section of the National Council of Negro Women, and the Williamsbridge NAACP.

“This health fair reflects what can happen when community organizations work together with purpose and compassion,” Dawson said. “Our goal was to make sure residents had access to information, resources, and support that can make a real difference in their lives.”

The program featured expert speakers, health screenings, nutrition education, mental health support, guidance for Medicaid families and resources for children with special needs. Attendees also received a healthy lunch, while fresh fruits and vegetables were donated by Alex from Open Hand Association, a food pantry distributor.

Sponsors and supporters included Montefiore Hospital, MetroPlusHealth, Love Your Breast, the New York City Fire Department and other community partners.

For many Bronx families, health fairs like this are more than one-day events. They provide a bridge between residents and institutions that can help them understand their options, ask questions and take practical steps toward healthier lives.

In communities where preventable health conditions, food insecurity, insurance confusion and limited access to specialized care remain persistent concerns, local partnerships can make a direct difference. By bringing services into trusted neighborhood spaces such as the Northeast Bronx YMCA, organizers helped reduce barriers and encouraged residents to treat health as a shared community priority.

The 2026 Annual Health Fair served as a reminder that wellness is strengthened when prevention, education and service meet people where they are. It also showed the value of committed local leadership, especially when organizations work together to support families before a crisis occurs.

The message of the day was clear: health is wealth, and a healthier Bronx is built through information, access, partnership and care.