LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — This week and next, HealthFirst Bluegrass has some important events on affordable healthcare in the community. On November 14, they will provide flu shots and wraparound services for veterans and residents of St. James Place.

Long before that, they will host a workshop at the Multilingual Family Connection Center.

“It’s really important to provide care to the entire community,” Cassie Turner said.

Turner, practice manager at HealthFirst Bluegrass Women’s and Adult Health Clinic, wants to spread the word early about two upcoming community events. They are a big part of an initiative that provides essential healthcare services to underserved populations in Lexington.

“We want to attract as many families as possible and we know that’s the first step of all our barriers. It’s about letting people really know and understand that we are here to help and assist them through that process,” Turner added.

The first part of this initiative will take place on November 7, with on-the-spot appointments scheduled for newly arrived and migrant families at the Multilingual Family Connection Center.

“We’re partnering with Fayette County Public Schools to really be able to support that. We provide translation services to the families that come to help them establish not only what they need from Fayette County School Programs, but also what they need of our medical programs,” Turner noted.

It is a long-standing program and school partnership. In the 2023-24 school year, according to HealthFirst BlueGrass Chief Operating Officer Malia Jackson, HealthFirst Bluegrass school-based clinics completed more than 10,000 visits for medical, behavioral health and dental services for the FCPS community.

“I think it’s very important because unless we address the social determinants of health that affect people’s overall health, we’re not really going to have a healthy community like we really want,” Noemí Lara-Rojo said.

Lara-Rojo is a community health worker at HealthFirst Bluegrass’ Southland Location, working in pediatric departments and playing a crucial role in school-based clinics.

When people have a need or obstacle, HealthFirst Bluegrass offers a wide range of services.

“They may need transportation, or be food insecure and not know what they’re going to eat that night. I think it’s very important to have someone here to help you figure that out and know that you’re not alone,” Lara-Rojo added.

The multilingual family self-care day will be held from 9 am to 2:30 pm on November 7 at 701 East Main Street. It is a free workshop and resources include blood pressure checks, a session on nearby clinics and services, and a session on mental health led by Fayette County Public Schools staff.