Thousands Attend Free Health Services Fair In Sacramento

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Thousands of local residents took advantage of health services being offered at a community resource fair put on Saturday at Hiram Johnson High School.

Some of the attendees said if it weren't for the fair, they wouldn't get the medical attention they need. It was put on by the WE Connect program.

We're creating a one-stop shop for families in the community," said WE Connect event organizer Maricela Rodriguez.

Without health insurance, Karina Cortez relies on free clinics for medical treatment.

"It's a very long line, especially if you're in pain. It's like four to five hours waiting," said Cortez.

Cortez is on disability and says health fairs like these give her relief. A lot of people are getting eye and dental exams as well as important nutritional training for the first time

"Help empower lower-income families by bringing them together to existing resources that sometimes go underutilized," said Rodriguez.

Questions are finally getting answered here.

"They actually have someone they can talk to directly that can explain to them what their different eligibilities are," said Rodriguez.

And people are being taught how to live a healthier lifestyle.

"I need to eat more fruits, more vegetables, less candies and less chocolate," said event attendee Carmen Ortiz.

Most of the attendees will now be registered for some type of health insurance.

"Community partners are coming together to make health happen in their community," said Rodriguez.

Everyone who helped put on the event is a volunteer.

The WE Connect program was established in 2005 by former first lady Maria Shriver to help support health care for lower income families.