By Tiffany Bucciarelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Mercy Home Health and Mercy LIFE invite the public to a series of free health fairs and workshops taking place throughout the city every Saturday this June. They’re kicking off the first event on June 9th from 9 a.m. until noon at the First African Baptist Church. The Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity and Gateway Health Plan, Mercy are providing Philadelphia community members access to health screenings, workshops and education sessions—for free.

Accessible health screenings include blood pressure tests, body mass index screenings, hearing tests, cardiac risk assessments, and nutrition screenings.

“This series of health fairs and workshops is a great way for members of the community to receive care to which they may not otherwise have access,” said Carol Quinn, the president and CEO of Mercy Home Health and Mercy LIFE. “Education about healthcare is important as well, especially if you’re managing your own health or the care of a loved one.”

“This is about empowerment,” said Reverend Terrence D. Griffith, the president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. “The more healthcare education we make available to the members of our community, the better chances we have at a higher quality of life.”

“It’s our job to continue to improve on the accessibility of quality healthcare for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Carol Allen, Gateway’s Director of Public Affairs and Program Development. “We will continue to proactively address the challenges faced by our members who are in need of proper healthcare services and we are proud to be a part of an event series like this that advocates for and promotes healthy living.”

This is a great way to get your health information up to date, free of cost, and to catch any conditions you have early, before they become a larger health issue.

For more information regarding the event schedule and locations, visit www.mercyhealth.org.