A recent health fair sponsored by a local nonprofit gave at-risk county residents valuable support going into the winter months.
The event, presented by PathForward, served 74 individuals, including those staying at the organization’s two 24-hour programs — the Homeless Services Center and Residential Program Center — along with clients using other PathForward services and those supported by other safety-net providers.
The event, now in its second year, “demonstrates the strength of our community partnerships,” said Betsy Frantz, president/CEO of PathForward.
“Neighbors received medical care, vaccinations, benefits support and more in a welcoming, supportive environment,” she said.
The fair was supported by a broad group of community partners, including:
- Students from George Washington University’s School of Nursing
- Arlington County Public Health and Aging and Disability Services
- Arlington County Parks and Recreation
- Arlington Employment Center
- Walgreens
- Arlington Free Clinic
- Virginia Department of Veterans Services
- Spread the Vote
- Arlington Public Library
- VHC Health’s outpatient team
- INOVA Juniper Program
- Doorways
PathForward began life as the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN), which itself grew out of a community effort starting in 1988 to prepared bagged meals for those experiencing homelessness.