Convening local resources to improve community health

By Kim Baich, Chief Diversity and Health Equity Officer, PAN Foundation

The PAN Foundation’s Stronger Together: A Journey to Wellness Family Festival brought together local health organizations and wellness groups to offer health services, screenings, resources, and activities for hundreds of Atlanta attendees.

PAN leaders Kevin and Kim on stage, Kim talking in a microphone
Kevin Hagan (left), President and CEO, and Kim Baich, Chief Diversity and Health Equity Officer

On November 9th, 2024, the PAN Foundation hosted the Stronger Together: A Journey to Wellness Family Festival in Atlanta, GA—a free, community-centered event focused on health, wellness, and connection.

The festival brought together over 50 local health organizations and wellness groups, offering a wide range of services and activities curated to improve the health and wellbeing of attendees. In collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Emory, Grady, and WellStar healthcare systems, the festival attracted hundreds of attendees and showcased the power of engaging community.

Throughout the day, attendees had access to free health screenings, including diabetes checks, and participated in disease prevention educational sessions. Support was also available to assist with applying to government and financial assistance programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and WIC, helping attendees navigate healthcare access. For families, there were plenty of fun activities, including urban line dancing, yoga, and face painting. One of the major highlights was the 10,000 pounds of fresh produce given away for free, providing families access to healthy food at no cost. 

This event represents our ongoing, sustained commitment to meeting people where they are, increasing their health literacy, and connecting communities with the resources they need to take control of their health. By providing accessible health resources, promoting wellness, and fostering a sense of belonging, the Stronger Together festival exemplified the PAN Foundation’s dedication to building stronger, healthier communities. 

Understanding the need: Healthcare challenges in Atlanta 

smiling festival attendees together in pairs

In 2023, PAN identified Atlanta as a key city for grassroots work due to its large population of underserved residents facing significant healthcare access challenges. More than 67% of Georgia adults have experienced healthcare affordability challenges in the past year, and 82% are worried about future healthcare costs.1 Many are forced to delay or skip necessary medical care, risking their long-term health. Georgia is also in the midst of a diabetes epidemic, with 11.4% of adults diagnosed and 33.7% at risk for the disease.2 These healthcare gaps, compounded by affordability issues, highlight an urgent need for accessible health resources.  

The PAN Foundation designed the Stronger Together festival to address these challenges directly, providing access to essential health services, connecting people with local resources, and fostering a sense of community support. A survey of 55 community organizations helped shape the event’s offerings, ensuring that it addressed the most pressing concerns, from healthcare affordability to chronic disease management. Additionally, our listening sessions with state and local government representatives and community members informed event planning. By listening to the voices of local residents and collaborating with a broad network of organizations, we ensured that the resources and services provided meet the specific needs of the local community. 

Creating lasting relationships: PAN Foundation’s role as a convenor 

Two images: PAN employee talking into a microphone and two PAN staff or volunteers working at the entry booth

Through our community engagement efforts, PAN is proud to act as a convenor—bringing together key resources, organizations, and individuals to build lasting connections. Fostering these relationships will help create a foundation for long-term solutions extending far beyond a single event. These connections empower communities to take collective action, ensuring that underserved populations continue to have access to the healthcare and resources they need to thrive. 

This is just the beginning of PAN’s commitment to Atlanta. We are dedicated to continuing our work there and look forward to more collaboration opportunities in the vibrant city. The success of the Stronger Together festival underscores the power of collaboration. We are deeply grateful to our collaborators, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers whose support made this event possible. 

A smiling festival attendee standing in front of a PAN Foundation banner

Sources

  1. Consumer Health Experience State Survey, 2023, Altarum Healthcare Value Hub
  2. The Burden of Diabetes in Georgia, 2023, American Diabetes Association