FERNDALE-
The second annual Transgender Health Fair comes to Affirmations community center on Saturday, Sept. 17.
At the fair, which is organized by Affirmations and Transgender Michigan, community organizations and guest speakers will provide information about AIDS prevention, counseling, anti-aging, hair removal, gender reassignment surgery, support groups and free health care to the public. Local businesses and sponsors will offer giveaways and distribute information regarding how they tend to the needs of transgendered individuals.
The health fair will also offer a special three-part informational session on hormone therapy. Rachel Crandall, executive director and co-founder of Transgender Michigan, will talk about the process of becoming eligible for hormone therapy in Michigan and the obstacles individuals considering therapy face. BioMed Specialty Pharmacy pharmacist Mazen Baisa and nutritionist Cheryl Sikina will discuss the need for proper nutrition during hormone therapy as well as the side effects of different hormone treatments.
"We're interested in reaching out to anyone that is seeking information – transgendered individuals, family members and allies trying to learn about the transgender community," said London Bell, Affirmations' health and human services coordinator.
Last year the Transgender Health Fair attracted attendees from Ohio and Indiana. "Reaching people from out of state is something we hope to do again," Bell said. "With our new sponsors, we've been able to start publicizing earlier than last year."
Among the new sponsors this year are CVS Pharmacy, BioMed Central and Detroit Legal Services. Medical students from Wayne State University will also attend the fair, providing free basic screenings of heart rates and blood pressure to fair attendees.
The Transgender Health Fair runs 1-4 p.m., Sept. 17 at Affirmations, 290 W. 9 Mile Road in Ferndale. Admission, healthy food and product giveaways will be free. For more information, contact Affirmations' Health and Human Services Coordinator London Bell at 248-398-7105 or go to http://www.goaffirmations.org.
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