Health, hope, and help: Syracuse Community Health Expo connects residents with vital resources
June 30, 2025
The Syracuse Community Health Center was alive with energy this week as families, health professionals, and community advocates gathered for a vibrant health expo co-sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
The event, designed to connect residents with essential health services, brought together a wide range of vendors and programs—from lead screening by the Onondaga County Health Department to Medicare case management and insurance enrollment assistance.
Dr. Ritu Bajaj, an optometrist at the Syracuse Community Health Center, shared her excitement about the event. "It’s fantastic to see so many resources available for our patients," she said. "We want to connect our community with the support they need, and today is a great step in that direction." Her passion for helping patients was evident as she interacted with vendors to find new tools that could assist her patients even further.
One visitor, Rosalyn Ross, came to the expo with her two granddaughters after moving from Alabama. She stopped by the expo seeking help with health insurance and transportation.
“I really need help with transportation and prescriptions,” Ross said. She found guidance from Kerry Tallon, safety net community engagement manager, who walked her through the enrollment process.
“It’s so important for me to help people like Rosalyn find the resources they need,” Kerry said. “Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life is what drives me.”
The event was organized in part by Dajia Richardson, community connections manager, who emphasized the importance of accessibility.
“Our Community Connections program is all about making health resources accessible to everyone,” Dajia said. “Working together with the Syracuse Community Health Center allows us to reach vulnerable populations and ensure they have the support they need to thrive.”
From health screenings to one-on-one consultations, the expo offered more than just information—it offered hope. For many, it was a first step toward better health and a stronger connection to their community.<
“This isn’t just about services,” Dajia added. “It’s about showing people they’re not alone.”
Contact:
Melissa Klinko
melissa.klinko@excellus.com
Related Articles
Seeing their full potential: How early screenings change lives
June 25, 2025
Five-year-old Jacob Simson didn’t know the world was supposed to look different until a vision screening identified he needed glasses. Soon after, everything came into focus for him. As a pre-school student at Roosevelt Children Center, Jacob is...
Chad Williams Overcomes Cerebral Palsy to Tackle Boilermaker 15K with Son by His Side
June 9, 2025
Before Chad Williams tackles this year’s Boilermaker 15K Road Race, he recalled the moment several years ago when he stood at the starting line of his very first road race. He had a lot of self-doubt. He didn’t know how he’d feel or if the other...
Excellus BCBS supports Oswego County Early Childhood Initiative, commits funding to establish diaper bank
June 26, 2024
To fight the increasing trend of diaper need among lower-income families in Oswego County, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently provided funding in support of the establishment of a diaper bank at the Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance...
Excellus BCBS supports access to primary care in Oswego County
June 26, 2024
When two organizations share the same vision for “keeping people healthy” remarkable things can happen through collaboration. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded Oswego Health with Health and Wellness Award funding to support Primary Care at...