Press release from the City of Gainesville
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – You’re invited to enjoy fun, accessible, and impactful health activities this summer as Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) hosts its “Healthy Afternoons with Gainesville Fire Rescue” series. Led by Director of Community Health Initiatives Brandy Stone, MPH, CPH, these events bring essential health education, preventive services, and community resources to neighborhoods across the city — free for all ages.
Why these events matter:
- In December 2021, a community health needs survey highlighted issues like chronic disease, mental well-being, and transportation challenges. Ongoing neighborhood health events help close those gaps by offering everything from healthy snacks to vitals checks.
- GFR’s Community Resource Paramedicine (CRP) program — also overseen by Stone —has been shown to reduce emergency room visits by connecting residents to services like primary and specialty care and telehealth. Wider awareness of CRP through events boosts its impact.
- Health education — particularly regarding chronic disease prevention, fire and life safety, and mental health — reduces hospitalizations and supports long-term quality-of-life improvements.
Upcoming event spotlight:…