By: Ashmar Mandou

Thousands of community members in the Humboldt Park community circled around Norwegian American Hospital for its annual HopeFest last Saturday.

Norwegian American Hospital in conjunction with New Life Covenant Church gave families the opportunity to update their health records by offering immunizations, eye exams, dental cleanings, haircuts, and much more. On-site physicals were also provided with the help of Norwegian American Hospital’s Pediatric Care-A-Van to all children in attendance.

“Norwegian American Hospital is proud to be partnering with New Life Covenant Church once again to bring HopeFest Chicago: 2013 to Humboldt Park,” said President and CEO Jose R. Sanchez. “All of us here at Norwegian remain committed to building healthier lives and healthier communities. So it is with great pleasure that we are able to participate in this unique event to provide our community’s children and their families with necessary health screenings and back-to-school supplies as they prepare for the new school year.”

Last year, roughly 5,000 children and their families attended HopeFest. With economic hardships still affecting many communities in the City of Chicago, residents like Yolanda Hernandez found HopeFest to be one that helps her family out a lot. “It’s hard for me, like other mothers who have children, to find affordable care for the whole family,” said Hernandez. “Not only do we have a chance to talk to doctors and get access to health screenings, but our kids have a chance to enjoy their community and get school supplies for the upcoming year.” Norwegian American Hospital’s HopeFest aims to ensure that all attendees have everything they need to prepare for the upcoming school year.

HopeFest is a collaboration between Norwegian American Hospital; New Life Covenant Church; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions; and PepsiCo.