'Santaland,' Healthfirst's holiday celebration, brought Christmas Cheer to 2,500 little and not-so-little guests alike
On Saturday, Healthfirst transformed the Seth Low Community Center in Brownsville into a dreamy winter world.
Healthfirst's "Santaland" spread holiday cheer with delicious food, holiday music and fun kids activities, and welcomed close to 2,500 visitors.
It was the health care provider's second annual Santaland in Brownsville. There was catered food, holiday music provided by a DJ, a balloon artist, face painting and - gifts! And, of course, there was an appearance by Santa himself.
"Events like these are one of the many things we do to make Brownsville a healthy village," said George Hulse, Healthfirst's vice president of community engagement. "We're committed to making communities healthier. We're talking about clinical health, but we also want to eliminate domestic and gang violence while promoting education and raising graduation rates."
Santaland is part of the "Healthy Village Brownsville" initiative, a concept that was brought to life three years ago. Aside from community projects and the annual health expo, the health care provider offers year-round free nutrition and exercise classes, as well as extensive community programming to address issues such as domestic violence or gang violence.
Coming spring, Healthfirst is launching a new program called "Reading to My Angel," an initiative that brings Healthfirst employees to Seth Low Houses to read books to children 6 months to 3 years old, while parents take part in various wellness services, such as massages and spa treatments, as well as inspirational and motivational speakers.
"Healthfirst is working with the Residence Association to make sure that these Brownsville housing complexes become a healthy village," said Hulse. Making families stronger and less stressed is important for creating healthier outcomes, he said.
It was a Ho-Ho-Healthy Village! Take a look!
