Annual Deborah Ellerbe Health Fair Brings Vital Resources to the Southwest Community
- Apr 10
- 1 min read
The Dr. Deborah Ellerbe Annual Health Fair took place Friday, April 10, at the Montgomery Center, located at 10 Cady Street in Rochester. The free community event, organized by Walking in God’s Grace Ministries in partnership with SWAN Inc., attracted residents from across the city to access vital wellness resources under one roof.
The health fair serves as a comprehensive resource hub, offering attendees direct access to free clinical services, health screenings, and standard vaccinations. A UR Medicine mobile mammography unit was on-site to provide critical breast cancer screenings, alongside providers offering blood pressure checks and mental health resources. Beyond clinical care, the event featured essential community wrap-around services, including assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment, professional haircuts, wellness massages, and informational booths from local healthcare networks.
This year's event carried significant meaning for organizers and attendees. The fair was originally established in 2024 by Dr. Deborah Ellerbe to address local health disparities by providing a centralized, accessible location for physical, mental, and financial wellness resources in the neighborhood. Following Dr. Ellerbe's passing last year after a battle with cancer, community leaders transitioned the annual gathering into a memorial event to honor her visionary legacy of care, public service, and dedication to the Rochester community.
