A community block party, 5K run and health fair are planned Saturday, May 20, at the New Bethel Church, 745 Walker Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.
The event is held as part of a National Health Challenge whose purpose is to improve health in Wyandotte County. The Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge has provided funding for this event.
The Healthy Community Corridor, a partnership between the New Bethel Church Community Development Corp., the 20-20-20 Movement and the Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation Department, received a $10,000 grant to help launch a program.
The 4th annual event will begin with a 5K color run, followed by a community health fair and a community block party.
In addition to building on existing initiatives to create a Safe Routes to Parks program, the event places a focus on bringing awareness to mental health in the community as part of National Mental Health Month.
The 5K event begins at 8 a.m., and participants may walk, run or bike to bring awareness to mental health. Check-in time is 7 a.m.
A community health fair follows from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free testing and resources for blood pressure, diabetes, biometrics and prostate cancer. Clinical breast exams will be offered, along with physicals for school-aged children.
A community block party will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include NFL Play 60 with Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders and KC Wolf, healthy food trucks, bike giveaways, inflatables, carnival games, Zumba and live music.
There is a $10 donation to participate in the 5K, with children 12 and younger free. The health fair and community block party are free and open to the public.