More Than 3,000 Delawareans Gather for First-Ever Community Wellness Fair, Delivering Free Care, Food and Resources

More than 3,000 Delaware residents from across the state came together on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Bayhealth at Blue Hen, Conference Center in Dover for the first-ever Bayhealth Community Wellness Fair, creating a powerful day of connection, prevention and care.

Bayhealth’s fair provided more than 2,000 free health screenings at no cost to attendees, including blood pressure checks, glucose testing, cholesterol screenings and flu shots. Nearly 1,000 community members received boxes of nutritious food, generously supplied by partners at the Food Bank of Delaware.

Families also had access to children’s activities, baby supplies and bilingual assistance for Spanish- and Haitian Creole-speaking residents. Dozens of local organizations were on-site to share resources related to housing, employment and support services.

“This was more than a wellness fair — this was healthcare the way it should be,” said Bayhealth’s Community Outreach and Partnerships Manager, Carrie Hart. “Proactive, accessible and rooted in the real lives of the people we serve.”

For many attendees, the impact was deeply personal. A single mother received her first blood pressure screening in years after delaying care due to lack of insurance. A senior citizen described receiving a flu shot as the easiest healthcare experience he had ever had. Families left with new information about their health in an environment that felt welcoming rather than intimidating.

“The event reflects a broader commitment to removing barriers to care before health crises occur,” said Bayhealth Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Community Outreach Amanda Bowie, MSM. “When we remove barriers like cost, language, transportation and fear, Delawareans show up and take charge of their health. The result is fewer preventable hospitalizations, stronger families and a healthier First State for generations to come.”

The success of the Bayhealth Community Wellness Fair was made possible through partnerships with dozens of community organizations, as well as the dedication of Bayhealth clinicians, nurses, team members and volunteers who gave their time.

“In a state where too many people delay care until crisis strikes, events like this aren’t extras — they are essential,” adds Hart. “This is our mission in action: strengthening the health of our community, one life at a time.”