Santa Anita Health Fair Highlights CTHF Services and Partnerships

A free farmer’s market, complimentary haircuts, raffle prizes – not your average day at the health clinic – but that’s the point! During the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation health fair at the Santa Anita clinic on October 20th, backstretch community members were welcomed by CTHF staff and volunteers and encouraged to visit stations highlighting CTHF’s services. The medical, dental, and optometry teams provided information about preventative health, including free flu shots. The Winners Foundation, an employee assistance program serving the California racing community, was on site to speak about their mental health services.

“Our intention with the health fairs is to bring members from the backstretch community to the clinic for a happy, connective experience. While they are here, we educate them about our services, encourage them to make appointments, and give them the opportunity to meet our providers in a more casual environment,” said CTHF executive director, Jordyn Egan.

Raising awareness is another key objective of the health fairs. The results are in and they are positive – 20% of the health fair attendees were new patients that made appointments for medical, dental, and/or vision services. Additionally, partner organization, Seeds of Hope, distributed 560 lbs. of produce and a recipe (plus samples!) for a delicious vegetarian chili. Haircuts were also popular with 31 attendees taking advantage of that service. All services and distributions were free of charge.

“Very few people enjoy going to the doctor, but we hope that these community-oriented events will make the experience feel more welcoming,” continued Egan. “We are grateful to our partners, the Winners Foundation, Seeds of Hope, and Aide’s Barber Shop who came alongside us for this event.”

CTHF has planned several more outreach and educational programs over the coming year. Visit the calendar at www.cthfcares.org for more details.

About CTHF
The California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, Inc. (CTHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission of bettering the quality of life for backstretch workers. With a focus on primary medical and dental care, CTHF operates clinics at Santa Anita Park and Los Alamitos Racetrack. Learn more at www.cthfcares.org or on social media @cthf_cares.