Interfaith Health Fair Offered in Richland Hills, Texas. - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

By Diane Smith, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Sep. 26--Religious leaders and health care providers are joining to offer free and low-cost health services Saturday at the first Interfaith Health Fair in Richland Hills.

The event at the Richland Hills United Methodist Church offers blood pressure screenings, cholesterol checks, blood sugar screenings and bone density scans.

Organizers said they want to offer the health services to people who either can't afford them or who have not taken the time to check for common conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

'Many times they are not educated about health matters,' said Dr. Basheer Ahmed, chairman of the Muslim Community Center for Human Services in North Richland Hills. 'It's not only for poor people. Anyone can walk in. It doesn't matter color or creed.'

Asli Abade Parker, a member of the group's advisory board, said this type of fair helps refugees and immigrants who may not have health insurance.

In past years, the Muslim Community Center for Human Services has had health fairs aimed at the Muslim community. This year the effort was expanded to the entire community, and organizers worked with various religious organizations.

The clinic is expected to draw between 400 and 500 people from area houses of worship and the community. Participants can donate blood and get educational material on a number of health topics including AIDS, alcoholism, domestic violence and nutrition.

Nancy E. Allen, associate pastor of the Richland Hills United Methodist Church, said the fair is a unique opportunity for people of different religions and background to promote good health.

'In this time of lots of division and dissension, we thought this would be a way of working together for all people,' Allen said.

INTERFAITH HEALTH FAIR:

--Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Richland Hills United Methodist Church, 7301 Glenview Drive North Richland Hills.

--Information: Muslim Community Center for Human Services, (817) 589-9165; Richland Hills United Methodist Church, (817) 284-9371; Richland Hills Christian Church, (817) 284-8679.

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