Seniors Find a Free Path to Wellness at Parkland Village Senior Health Fair
Gateway Center event provides free health screenings, wellness workshops, and community resources for Albuquerque seniors
The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness, Department of Senior Affairs, Parkland Village, and more engaged with community at the “Your Path to Wellness: Parkland Village Senior Health Fair,” a free community event dedicated to helping Albuquerque seniors stay healthy, connected, and supported while living independently at home.
“We believe that wellness starts with access,” said Jay Blackwell, Parkland Village Board Member and co-chair of the Senior Health Fair. “Events like this one bring essential health services directly into the community, meeting seniors where they are and giving them the tools and support they deserve to thrive.”
“Albuquerque is a fantastic city to age in place. The City supports excellent programming,” added Candy Nartonis, President of Parkland Village.
Free and open to all Albuquerque seniors, more than 200 attendees had access to a range of health and wellness services throughout the day, including:
- Health screenings, medication reviews, and consultations provided by the UNM College of Nursing.
- Foot screenings from the NM Podiatrists Medical Association.
- Community workshops covering digital health, physical wellness, and community support resources.
- Representatives from local health and social service organizations.
- Complimentary coffee and pastries for breakfast, followed by a burrito lunch.
“Gateway Center exists to connect Albuquerque residents to the services they need, and this health fair embodies that mission,” said Jennifer McDonald, Gateway Operations Officer. “We are proud to welcome the senior community and our partners into this space for a day of care, connection, and wellness.”
The event featured remarks from community speakers, including:
- Rashanna Adams, Outreach Coordinator-Senior Affairs, City of Albuquerque
- Nicole Bedford Jacobs, Community Relations Specialist, UNM Hospital
- Dr. Van Roper, Clinician Educator Professor, Community Service Coordinator, UNM College of Nursing
- Doug Chaplin, Gateway Center Operations, Gateway Center
“Our seniors deserve access to the best health and wellness resources our city has to offer. This health fair is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering care and community support directly to the neighborhoods and residents who need it,” said Mayor Tim Keller.
Transportation to the event was available through the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs (DSA) for registered members. Multiple shuttle pickups and returns from Barelas Senior Center and Highland Senior Center were available.
More than 20 community organizations were on hand, representing a broad coalition of local health, wellness, and senior services providers. Participating organizations include AARP, New Mexico Aging Services, UNM College of Nursing, UNM Hospital, the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs, New Mexico Podiatric Medical Association, United Healthcare, Umoja Behavioral Health, ViveBien Live Well, EnCasa Care Connections, Transitions in Senior Care, Teeniors, Touro Dental School, Rio Vista Counseling, Visit Albuquerque, Oasis, Parkland Village, and others.