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AAMS in Action: 12th Annual Glendale Health Festival Builds a Healthy Community
ARMENIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY
GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
12th Annual Glendale Health Festival Provides Free Medical, Vision, and Dental Services to Over 400 Community Members
On Saturday, November 4th, the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS), in collaboration with Healing California, hosted the 12th Annual Glendale Health Festival at the Pacific Community Center. The event provided free medical, vision, and dental services to over 400 members of the community, continuing its mission to address healthcare disparities and improve access to care for underserved populations.
The festival brought together a team of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, dentists, optometrists, cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, mental health professionals, and pharmacists, who volunteered their services. Healing California, a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering free dental and eye care to individuals lacking access to quality healthcare, collaborated with the health festival to provide services.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to serve the community through this annual health festival,” remarked Garni Barkhoudarian, MD, AAMS President. “In a world where health equity remains a challenge, the Glendale Health Festival demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together.”
Attendees received a wide range of free services, from dental fillings and cleanings to glaucoma testing and prescription eyeglasses made on-site. The festival also offered flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, glucose and cholesterol screenings, medical consultations, prostate exams, hearing tests, and other vital medical services.
“We are proud to have hosted another successful Glendale Health Festival this year,” said Elizabeth Zoryan, RN, BSN, PHN, AAMS Executive Committee member and Glendale Health Festival Committee co-chair. “The festival aims to provide critical medical services to those most in need. We are grateful to our sponsors and volunteers who help us fulfill this important mission.”
The festival was a family-friendly event, with children enjoying activities from a “Mario” balloon artist and a face painter to a special appearance by Chase, the popular canine character from PAW Patrol. State Senator Anthony Portantino, Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian, and a representative from the office of Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor representing the 5th District, were on hand to present the Glendale Health Festival committee with commendations for their commitment to fostering a healthier community.
“We understand that many members of our community face barriers when it comes to accessing quality healthcare,” said Michael Aznavour, DDS, AAMS Executive Committee member and Glendale Health Festival Committee co-chair. “By providing these essential services in a convenient and accessible way, we hope to make a positive impact on their overall health and wellbeing.”
The Glendale Health Festival has been serving the local community since 2011 and has provided critical medical services to thousands of individuals. The event is free and open to the public, and organizers plan to continue hosting it annually to address the ongoing need for affordable healthcare.
The Glendale Health Festival is a community service of the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) in collaboration with Healing California, the City of Glendale, Glendale Community Services and Parks Department, Office of State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Office of Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Glendale Police, the Armenian American Nurses Association, ARTN, Adventist Health Glendale, ComfortCare, Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, and Regal Medical Group and Lakeside Community Healthcare.
