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About Us

At the Minority Health Fair (MHF), we are dedicated to promoting health equity and addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. A cornerstone initiative of the Southeast Tennessee Health Consortium (SETHC), MHF works to create healthy, sustainable communities in Chattanooga and surrounding areas through education, services, and collaboration with leading health providers and institutions in the southeast region of Tennessee.

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Our Mission

The mission of the Southeast Tennessee Health Consortium (SETHC) is to create healthy, sustainable communities for Chattanooga and surrounding areas through education, services, and collaboration with leading health providers and institutions in the southeast region of Tennessee.

Your Health, Your Power:
Empowering Our Community,
One Check-Up at a Time

Who Are We

Guided by the principle: "Your Health, Your Power: Empowering Our Community, One Check-Up at a Time," our mission is to empower individuals with the tools, resources, and education needed to take control of their health. By working with healthcare providers, community organizations, and dedicated volunteers, we aim to close the health gap and foster a brighter, healthier future for all.

For over 23 years, the Minority Health Fair has been a beacon of hope and wellness, serving as a critical resource for thousands of individuals. Each year, our annual health fair attracts over 600 attendees, offering:

  • Free health screenings including mammography, lung scans, podiatry evaluations, dental screenings, prostate exams, cardiac assessments, and diabetes testing.

  • Educational sessions that promote healthy lifestyles, preventive care, and awareness of chronic conditions.

  • Wellness services such as CPR training, car seat safety education, and mental health support.

This impactful event is made possible by the tireless efforts of over 100 volunteers, including members of Divine 9 organizations, and the support of 70 vendor partners, who collaborate to ensure access to quality healthcare services for those who need it most.

Our Legacy of Impact

Since its inception, MHF has:

  • Partnered with 80+ organizations to bring critical health resources to underserved communities.

  • Provided over 10,000 free educational and screening services, empowering individuals to lead healthier lives.

  • Delivered 5,043 screenings and services at the 2024 event alone, addressing the most pressing health concerns in our region.

Join Us

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who share our passion for health equity. By partnering with MHF, you can play a vital role in improving the lives of individuals in our community and helping us create lasting change.

See how your support makes a difference—join us today!

Our History

In early 2002, Mr. Gene Settles (President of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity) and Mr. Irvin Overton (President of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity) met one afternoon and asked the question, “As African American Men Organizations, what can our organizations do together that will have a profound impact on the community?” After consulting with several other individuals in the community, the idea of a Minority Health Fair was birthed. This event would address a major need in the community; it would provide a “free” event to benefit individuals rather than asking them to pay to come. Also, it would create a partnership between organizations to provide leadership and focus on the cause and not ourselves. Both organizations agreed that we would request funds from major healthcare companies to help fund the event.

 

In August 2002, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. partnered together in conjunction with the 28th Community Develop Corporation to focus on men’s health issues by providing a free health fair – Hamilton County Minority Health Fair. The primary focus was geared toward prostate exams, blood pressure and other educational services for men. The free health fair was held at Brainerd High School in August 2002. Approximately 250 people attended and we had 30 vendors to set up screening and educational booths. In 2004, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. joined this partnership and added a focus on women’s and children’s health. This new partnership allowed the MHF to expand screening and educational services for the entire family. Our attendance grew to over 450 people and 45 vendors.

 

In 2005, the MHF was moved to Eastgate Town Center due to the expected growth for attendees and vendors at the event. The 9th Annual MHF held this past August drew over 2,000 attendees and 100 vendors. Since inception of the event, over 10,000 people have received free educational and screening services at the MHF. We have received personal testimonials from attendees that attending and receiving the free services at the MHF saved their life. In additions, participating vendors have commented that the MHF is the best organized and attended health fair in the region.

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In Memoriam

In loving memory of
Chris Ramsey & Dr. Michael Geer

Chris Ramsey lived with a passion for helping others. He continued his efforts in helping minority communities through the pandemic. Chris’ deepest passion was addressing and finding solutions to the health disparities of Chattanooga’s minorities. He played a vital role in helping organize the annual Minority Health Fair in Chattanooga.

Advocate. Mentor. Pioneer. 

Dr. Michael Geer – Noted cardiologist and hypertensive specialist, Dr. Geer focused his practice on the management of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. He was inspired to start the Minority Health Fair along with the help from other trusted colleagues. Dr. Geer was a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and the American Society of Hypertension. He was an Associate Professor at the University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine, Chattanooga Branch and was nominated as Teacher of the Year on several occasions. He also was on the speakers’ bureau for several major pharmaceutical companies.

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