CareSparc Community Connection’s 11th Annual Sustainable Health and Wellness Village (SHWV) Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, at Oscar E. McClinton Waterfront Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., culminating its three city tour across the state.
The SHWV intergenerational wellness festival provides access to healthcare services, information and resources for people of all ages across the state. Festival goers can enjoy interactive family activities, receive free eye exams and eyeglasses, health screenings, vaccinations, fresh produce, and physician-led education and resources on maternal, infant, child and senior health.
“Not only do we want the great City of Atlantic City to be a clean and safe city, but a healthy city as well, and events like the Sustainable Health and Wellness Village Festival are vital to keeping our community strong and informed,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “Bringing services, information and resources together in one place makes it easier for individuals to take charge of their well-being. I encourage everyone to come out, learn and take advantage of the free screenings and guidance being offered.”
The 2025 SHWV Festival Tour is aimed at advancing health equity and improving positive health outcomes for underserved and underrepresented populations, particularly Black and Brown communities.
Keith DaCosta, co-founder and executive director of CareSparc Community Connections, said, “Advancing health equity to build healthier, more resilient communities is more critical
than ever with the current cutbacks to healthcare. “Our Health and Wellness Village Festival was created to ensure that every person — regardless of age, background or income — can access the screenings, education and resources they need to live a healthier life and address the rising gaps in healthcare,” he explained.
In addition, the 2025 SHWV festivals will feature physicians, nurses, community resources and public health-based staff from numerous healthcare facilities. Organizers also have incorporated music, live entertainment and the arts into the intergenerational wellness festivals. The 2025 SHWV Festival Tour presenting sponsor is Johnson & Johnson.
CareSparc Community Connections mission is to collaborate with multiple populations, service providers and thought leaders on effective solutions to advance positive public health outcomes.
The 2025 SHWV Festival Tour will offer:
- Free health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, vision and dental checks
- Free eye examinations and eye glasses for first 100 children and first 50 seniors
- Maternal and infant health resources
- Fitness demonstrations
- Nutritional workshops
- Mental health and Stress management sessions
- Educational panels on chronic disease prevention, nutrition and holistic wellness
- Live entertainment and line dancing
- Arts and Cultural Wellness Exhibitions
- Food Trucks and vendors
