4th Annual National Diabetes Awareness Month Health Fair: Know Your Numbers
National Diabetes Awareness Month is observed each November to increase awareness about diabetes, encourage early detection, and promote prevention, education, and access to care.
To recognize National Diabetes Awareness Month, Howard Brown Health is hosting its 4th Annual National Diabetes Awareness Month Health Fair. This year’s theme, Know Your Numbers, focuses on empowering community members to understand important health indicators including blood glucose, A1C, and blood pressure—and what those numbers can mean for their overall health.
With over 7 clinics across the Chicagoland area Howard Brown Health is equipped to handle all of your preventive or care needs related to Diabetes and ongoing care needs including behavioral health and dental services.
Key Facts and Statistics
- More than 38 million Americans live with diabetes.
- Nearly 98 million U.S. adults have prediabetes.
- Millions of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed.
- World Diabetes Day is observed globally on November 14.
- National Diabetes Month highlights prevention, risk awareness, healthy lifestyle choices, screenings, and access to ongoing care.
Everything you need to know about this event is below, including what attendees can expect and how vendors can submit a request to participate.
When and Where
Saturday, November 7, 2026
9:00am – 2:00 pm
La Casa Norte Community Center
3533 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
What Can Attendees and Vendors Expect?
A variety of community resources and organizations are participating as part of the resource fair during the event. The event will include free:
- Diabetes-related screenings
- Blood pressure and glucose screenings
- Health education
- Results review
- Triage
- Community resource fair
- Important connections for ongoing care
Know Your Numbers Event Passport
After checking in, attendees will receive a Know Your Numbers Event Passport and can visit activities throughout the event.
Passport Stamps Can Be Collected by:
- Visiting the Health & Screening Station on the 1st floor after checking in or registration
- Heading to the 2nd floor for the Resource Fair, refreshments, education sessions, and breakout programming.
- Completing at least two health screenings.
- Attending one education session.
- Visiting at least three Resource Fair partners.
The first 125 eligible attendees who complete the passport activities will receive a complimentary box of fresh produce sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, while supplies last, and all attendees will receive a giftbag to fill with fun giveaways and Howard Brown Health and Partner goodies.
The first 25 Latino/Latinx-identified men who complete a discreet HIV screening and glucose screening will also be eligible for a $25 Visa gift card, while supplies last.
Program Schedule
9:00 a.m. – Doors Open & Screenings Begin
The first hour will place a special emphasis on health screenings.
Howard Brown Health clinical staff will provide results review, triage, and rapid linkage support for attendees with elevated or concerning screening results. Our goal is to ensure attendees understand their results and leave with an appropriate next step or connection to care whenever possible.
10:00 a.m. – Event Officially Begins
Visit the Resource Fair to connect with local organizations and explore programs designed to support your health and wellness.
Free on-site screenings will be available through Howard Brown Health. Clinical staff and care team members will also be available to answer questions, review results, connect attendees to care, and provide follow-up support as appropriate.
10:05 a.m. – Opening Remarks
Welcome from:
- Jerrard Walker, Vice President of Population Health
- Terra Campbell, Associate Director of Community Relations
Additional invited remarks may include:
- Dr. Justin List
- Ald. Jessie Fuentes
Final participation of Ald Fuentes and Dr List is being confirmed.
10:20–11:00 a.m. – Diabetes Education Breakout Session
What Is Diabetes?
Presented by UIC Urban Medicine Program Medical Students in Training participating in the Howard Brown Health Wellness Walk-In pilot.
This community-centered session will provide an overview of diabetes, including different types of diabetes such as Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Using accessible language and infographics, presenters will explain risk factors, prevention, screening, and why understanding your numbers matters. Attendees will also learn how to use Howard Brown Health’s website and Patient Access Center to connect with ongoing healthcare services.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. – Community Panel Discussion
Moderated by Dr. Marina Claudio, Interim Medical Director, Molina Healthcare of Illinois & pending HBH Provider or Medical Expert Referral by Our Chief Medical Officer
Hear from patients, Howard Brown Health providers, and community partners about diabetes prevention, sexual health, access to care, health equity, and the importance of knowing your numbers.
Panelists are still being finalized, so please do not list individual panelists beyond the confirmed moderator at this time.
12:30–1:40 p.m. – Cooking Demonstration, Thanksgiving Luncheon & Networking
Enjoy a community cooking demonstration followed by a Thanksgiving-inspired luncheon focused on connection, culture, and healthier approaches to traditional foods.
The cooking demonstration will feature Chef Blāque (Maurice Shelton), a Chicago-based chef who has appeared on Netflix and Food Network.
Chef Blāque was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side and began formally developing his culinary career after enrolling in Chicago’s Le Cordon Bleu program for Baking & Patisserie in 2006, building on culinary influences from his mother and grandmother.
2:00 p.m. – Event Ends
Vendor Participation
Submitting a vendor request does not guarantee participation. All vendors must be reviewed and approved by the Community Relations team.
Questions or approval requests can be sent to: Comrelations@howardbrown.org
- Community nonprofit organizations: Free
- Corporate organizations: $150
2026 Partners
