Free community health event brings resources, school supplies to St. Paul’s East Side

Rebecca Gilbuena
Aug 14
1 min read

Pathways to Wellness: A Community Health Initiative will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, at Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Ave. E. Photo: City of St. Paul

Families on St. Paul’s East Side can get a head start on the new school year this weekend at a free community health event offering health resources, school supplies, food and activities for children. Pathways to Wellness is a carnival-themed event. It is free and open to the public, with no registration required.

Organizers say the event is designed to make health and wellness resources more accessible while giving families an opportunity to connect with local health care providers, community health workers, public health agencies, nonprofits and businesses.

More than 20 organizations are expected to participate, offering health education, wellness resources and health screenings, along with school supply giveaways, children's activities, food and beverages.

“This is what health looks like when it is rooted in community,” said Angela R. Fields, event director of Pathways to Wellness and a community health worker and doula.

The event will combine traditional health outreach with carnival-style games, entertainment and family activities. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade and their families are invited to attend.

Fields said the goal is to meet families where they are and make connecting with health and community resources feel welcoming rather than clinical.

VIP check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Activities will continue through 3 p.m.