Aguilar hosted Health Fair for 16th Cook County District

Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar brought Government and Health Organizations together for 16th District Health Fair. Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar facilitated a Health Fair in Melrose Park, connecting government officials with local health organizations to bring services directly to 16th District residents

On Saturday, March 26th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar was joined by Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico, Rincon Family Services, CALOR and other health organizations throughout the 16th District to distribute vaccines for COVID-19, PPE equipment, and general health screenings to 16th District residents.

The fair, which brought nearly 30 organizations to provide services for the community, demonstrates the impact that effective communication and facilitation between local governments and private organizations can have to bring resources to residents where they live, making it as equitable and accessible as possible.

“This was a great event, connecting demanded health services directly to our residents. I am so happy that we had such a great turnout, primarily due to the coordination between my office, Melrose Park officials, Rincon Family Services and CALOR,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar.

“We must continue to build trust between our government and those we represent, so that when we are providing opportunities to directly help the public, they trust us and are more inclined to use these opportunities.”

Commissioner Aguilar worked closely with Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico, Rincon Family Services, and CALOR to bring in the nearly 30 health organizations that were in attendance for the event. Rincon Family Services visited over 600 homes over the course of 25 hours to spread the word, directly going to where people live to make sure our services were as accessible as possible.

Commissioner Aguilar also made a point to not only use Melrose Park based health organizations and businesses, but organizations throughout our district. Only by building trust with the community Commissioner Aguilar serves, by connecting residents with health organizations that they are familiar and comfortable with, was this event able to provide critical services to residents throughout the 16th District.

“I would like to express the great work of the commissioner and his staff to put this event together,” said Pablo Cruz, Community Center Director at Casa Esperanza and an attendee of the event.

“We must always make sure that our community knows that several agencies are available to take care of their needs. It was great to collaborate together for the same objectives, helping the most vulnerable communities and creating an impact.”

Since day one on the job, Commissioner Aguilar has made it a priority to bring together all local government leaders under one umbrella to coordinate the distribution of resources throughout the 16th District. This has allowed for townships and cities to help out each other, bringing in organizations from far and wide to serve 16th District residents anywhere there is need.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar and his staff for coordinating the March 26th Health Fair at the Melrose Park Civic Center,” said Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico. “Their vigilant efforts resulted in bringing together local units of government, not-for-profits and businesses to provide needed medical services to area residents who sometimes fall through the social safety net. Great job Commissioner Aguilar.”