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Issue 219: April 1, 2026
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National Public Health Week

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Each year, the first full week of April marks National Public Health Week (NPHW) a nationwide celebration led by the American Public Health Association, to recognize the vital role public health plays in protecting our communities. In 2026, NPHW takes place April 6–12.

For over a century, public health efforts have added decades of life through safer water, stronger sanitation systems, vaccines, emergency response infrastructure, and countless community-driven initiatives. Good health doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of coordinated efforts among scientists, health professionals, community leaders, and engaged residents working together.

Our public health workers are the people who show up every day to expand access, safeguard families, and strengthen neighborhoods. 

Men and women reported medium or high trust similarly (around 78%) for both research and researchers. There was a difference by age with older adults reporting higher trust in research and researchers than younger adults (83.4% vs. 77.9% respectively).
 
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UF HealthStreet Spring Health Fair Set for April 6

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Join us at the UF HealthStreet Health Fair to connect with health and social service resources in Gainesville. The event will be at UF HealthStreet on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Local organizations will be on-site to share information about medical care, mental health support, insurance assistance, family and community services, and opportunities to participate in research studies.

This event aims to increase access to care, promote health education, and help community members learn about the local resources available to support their well-being. All are welcome!

Attending Organizations
- Suwanee River Area Health Education Center
- Gainesville Fire Rescue, Community Resource Paramedecine Program
- SIMED Health Clinical Trials
- SWAG Family Resource Center
- Help Me Grow Alachua
- Gainesville Opportunity Center
- Latina Women's League
- UF Putting Families First Program
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium
- Meridian Healthcare
- Florida Harm Reduction Collective
- United Way North Central Florida

 
 

CHOMP Melanoma Returns to UF HealthStreet on April 11

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Get ready for a day that could make a real difference in your health! Join CHOMP Melanoma on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free skin cancer screening with UF Health dermatologists at UF HealthStreet!

CHOMP Melanoma, a passionate, student‑run program at the University of Florida, is dedicated to making skin cancer awareness and early detection accessible to everyone. Their incredible team of medical students, residents, and dermatology faculty volunteers brings vital education and screenings to the community all year long.

✨ Free sunscreen samples will be available!
✨ Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are absolutely welcome!

To learn more or schedule your spot, email chompmelanoma@gmail.com.

Come out, get checked, and take a powerful step toward protecting your skin!

 
 

HealthStreet Award Honoree - March 2026

 
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"Volunteering at HealthStreet has been incredibly meaningful to me, because it has allowed me to serve the community in a direct and impactful way. I am very passionate about giving back, and HealthStreet provides that opportunity by connecting me with community members who come to us for a wide-range of needs." - Swayam

 
 

The Pantry Gourmet

Welcome to "The Pantry Gourmet!" Discover quick and easy recipes made with quality items community members can likely find in HealthStreet's food pantry!

 
 
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Spinach and Meat Cakes

Spinach and Meat Cakes are savory patties made from lean ground meat and spinach, cooked in a skillet and typically served over brown rice for a simple, nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

- 1 Pound ground beef, or turkey
- 16 Ounces frozen spinach chopped (may substitute 2 bunches of fresh spinach) 
- 1/2 Onion (small, finely chopped) 
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced) 
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt 
- Black pepper (to taste) 
- 3 Cups brown rice 

Instructions:
  1. Preheat frying pan (no oil).
  2. Combine all ingredients except brown rice in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
  3. Form mixture into 12 small balls. Place in frying pan and flatten into patties using a spatula.
  4. Cook over medium heat until cooked on both sides.
  5. Serve over brown rice.
 

 

Research Study Opportunities

 
Research Study Categories (6)
 

If you are interested in hearing about these or other studies, HealthStreet community health workers can navigate you to a study coordinator. They can be reached at 352-294-4880.

 
 
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Inspirational Quotes

 
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Community Events at HealthStreet  

 
 
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Full Calendar
 
 

H.O.P.E. Food Pantry

Available to our members facing food insecurity, and can be accessed by members once per week. Located at our building off of Old Archer Road.
Mondays & Thursdays Noon - 4 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays
& Fridays
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 

Chomp Melanoma

CHOMP Melanoma is a student-run program at the University of Florida dedicated to providing free skin cancer screenings and raising awareness about melanoma prevention. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
Saturday, April 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
More Information Here

Al-Anon
Group

Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of problem drinking.
Thursdays
 Noon - 1 p.m.
(Hybrid Meeting Link)

 
 

Cooking Demo Classes

Starting this March, UF HealthStreet, along with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, will once again host a series of cooking demos at HealthStreet throughout the spring.
Monday, April 13
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

 

HIV Testing & Counseling

HealthStreet’s free and confidential HIV testing and counseling, offered throughout Spring 2026, is scheduled to occur every Friday. Please call to schedule an appointment.
Fridays
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
To schedule call,
(352) 294-4880

HealthScreen at HealthStreet

The community-based initiative offers free health screenings for  hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Don't wait—join us at UF HealthStreet or find us at one of our outreach events and receive your free assessment!
Mondays & Thursdays
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
To schedule call,
(352) 294-4880

 
 

For a list of all of our upcoming community events and outreach locations view our calendar here.

 

 

NARCAN® Saves Lives

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Narcan Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers - with no medical training required.

HealthStreet has distributed 16,451 NARCAN® kits—32,902 total units—since 2020.

HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray at no charge to you.

Read More
 

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Consider Donating to HealthStreet

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Together, we can make a difference!

Your donation will directly support essential services and truly make a difference in our community. Every dollar you contribute helps us take steps towards reducing disparities that affect so many.

Just imagine the impact of your generosity: for $25, you can provide 15 personal care items, ensuring dignity and basic hygiene for those in need. With $50, we can purchase 16 daily bus passes to RTS, giving individuals reliable transportation to access vital jobs, healthcare, and services. And with $100, we can fuel the vehicles that our Community Health Workers use with 25 gallons of gasoline, enabling them to reach those in need and provide critical referrals and support.

We are also asking for direct donations of personal care items such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, shaving kits & cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, floss, pads, tampons, disposable wipes, hairbrushes and diapers.

Another way that you can make an impact in our community is by donating to the HealthStreet Clothing Closet! There is an ongoing need of the following items: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby clothing.

Clothing and personal care items can be directly donated at our HealthStreet location anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so we can place these items into the hands of those who need them.

Let’s join forces and create an extraordinary impact together!

Thank you for your kindness!

 
 
Donate Now
 
 
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