Los Alamitos Health Fair Connects Backstretch Community with Care and Resources

When members of the Los Alamitos backstretch community stopped by the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF) health fair last week, they met medical and dental providers, made appointments, received flu shots, and learned about services available through WeCare Orange County, a new community partner.

Those were the traditional health outreach activities. But CTHF also offered complimentary haircuts, music, raffle prizes, and curated clothing – all designed to encourage participants to stay awhile, connect with one another, and feel part of the CTHF community.

CTHF began providing dental services to the backstretch community in 1984. Since then, services have expanded to include primary care, medical, and optometry services. Today, CTHF clinics provide more than 5,000 patient visits each year, and participation continues to grow.“Over the past several years, we have been making the effort to cast a wider net, working to ensure that no member of the backstretch community can say that they do not know about the services that CTHF provides. It all started with my predecessor, Cliff Goodrich,” said CTHF Executive Director Jordyn Egan. “We’re continuing the good work of those before us.”

“Health fairs, educational classes, produce distributions, clothing, raffles – they are all programs that directly benefit the backstretch community, but they also raise awareness about our services and remind people that we are here all year,” Egan continued. “We don’t want to only see people when they are sick or have a sore tooth. We want to help prevent them from getting sick or having a sore tooth in the first place.”

CTHF has planned several more outreach and educational programs over the next 12 months. Next up is a health fair at the Santa Anita Park clinic on October 20. Check the Calendar tab for details on all upcoming events.

The best way to keep up with the CTHF’s activities and support the organization is to subscribe to their email list and follow them on social media @cthf_cares.