Food service workers can receive FREE medical services as well as information about other affordable services at Giving Kitchen’s Pop-Up Doc on April 19, 2020 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Atlanta Community Food Bank at 3400 N Desert Dr, East Point, GA 30344
No insurance required.
GK executive director Bryan Schroeder says, “Thanks to our partners at The Healing Bridge, Atlanta Community Food Bank, CORE and Giving Health, Giving Kitchen is going to be able to offer health screenings, COVID-19 vaccines and a free basket of food. Food service employees have been working under extreme conditions over the last year, it’s an honor to be able to provide medical access, a Pfizer shot and a nutritious meal.”
GK’s Pop Up Doc program began in 2018 and has provided over $150,000 worth of health services to 261 food service workers at no cost. The ability to offer these services is one of the ways GK’s Stability Network program goes beyond financial assistance to not only help people in crisis but also to emphasize the importance of self-care efforts that may mitigate or prevent future crises. With cost removed as a barrier to seek out these services, GK is looking forward to serving as many food service workers as possible at Pop-Up Doc on April 19.
In an effort to make the event as COVID-safe as possible, a new Drive-Thru format will be in use. Appointments are available and encouraged, however walk/drive up appointments will also be offered (pending availability).
Food service workers can expect a range of services including:
The Healing Bridge Clinic serves a vital role in the community by offering free medical care to uninsured residents of Fayette and surrounding counties who meet the financial eligibility requirements. They plan to provide free blood pressure checks, free glucose tests, and provide resources for those who need medications refilled. Healing Bridge will also be providing resources for those looking for medical care and will open their doors to all who want to come to them for care after the event. “We realize the difficulties those within the hospitality industry are facing over this past year and we want to be a beacon of light, a hand of hope, and a community of compassion as we serve those who need our services,” says Mike Conaway, director of The Healing Bridge Clinic.
CORE is expanding from COVID-19 testing to COVID-19 vaccinations. The Fulton County Board of Health is providing CORE with vaccines to operate a mobile COVID-19 vaccination site at The Giving Kitchen’s Pop-Up Doc event to support essential workers in the food service industry. “With this customized effort, CORE hopes to support communities by prioritizing equity and increasing access to COVID-19 resources,” Virginia Chu of CORE.
Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) fights hunger by engaging, educating, and empowering the community. Jon West, VP of Partner Relations at ACFB, says, “Our core work of providing emergency food assistance has dramatically increased in the last year, and the economic impact of COVID driving that increase in need has fallen particularly hard on the food service industry. Partnering with Giving Kitchen in this effort to provide access to essential health services to the food service community helps us do our work of reaching our neighbors in their moments of need.”
Giving Health will be on-site to provide free registration for free telehealth services, which includes options for free consultations with doctors and/or mental health counselors for up to 12 months. “With the help of Giving Kitchen we hope to get the word out to food service workers and anyone else who may be in need that you can obtain quality healthcare for common conditions and you can do it for no cost and on your schedule no matter where you are. We hope folks take us up on this wonderful opportunity,” Michael Giglio, co-founder of Giving Health.
For more information about GK’s Pop-Up Doc, visit givingkitchen.org/popupdoc. Those interested in volunteering or donating to support events like Pop-Up Doc can visit Giving Kitchen’s support page or GK’s app.
MEDIA CONTACT
Rebecca Wagner, rebecca@thegivingkitchen.org
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