Salinas Valley Health Hosts Community Health Day in Gonzales

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

Hundreds of families flocked to Central Park in Gonzales on Saturday to experience Community Health Day presented by Salinas Valley Health. The event is one of the many ways the public district health system supports expanded access to quality care by bringing no cost health services directly to underserved communities.

"Our first Community Health Day earlier this year in Salinas was a tremendous success,” said Allen Radner, MD, Salinas Valley Health President/CEO. “With our rural health clinic in Gonzales, this location was a natural fit to hold another event that offers free health services in an environment that is fun for the whole family.”

With flu season upon us, the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic was on hand to providing hundreds of free flu shots and in partnership with the Monterey County Food Bank, distributed fresh produce to community members. Two other popular highlights at the Community Health Day were the free soccer ball giveaway and diaper giveaway.

“It’s heartwarming to see the faces of hundreds of kids getting a new soccer ball and immediately playing with them around Central Park,” said Joel Hernandez Laguna, publicly elected Salinas Valley Health Board Member representing the district area which includes Gonzales. “Soccer is a great way for young people to stay active, naturally promoting health and wellness. It’s fun for the kids and we also know the powerful impact exercise can have on reducing obesity and prediabetes in our youth.”

Central Park in Gonzales was transformed with engaging activities, games and a resource fair with valuable information and handouts at dozens of booths manned by experts and volunteers. People of all ages took part in a giant Jenga game, watched ballet folklorico performances and participated in free Zumba sessions.

Salinas Valley Health operates the Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center in Gonzales which opened in 2015 and tripled in size in 2020 to better serve the growing needs of the diverse south county population.

The next free Community Flu Clinic by Salinas Valley Health in partnership with the County of Monterey Public Health Department takes place Monday at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Salinas from 4pm-7pm.