MOCHA Family Wellness Fair returns to North Miami with expanded health services
Key Points(5)
- Families in North Miami will have access to health screenings, wellness activities and community resources when the MOCHA Family Wellness Fair returns October 4 for its fourth annual event.
- The fair will take place from 7 a.m.
- at KIPP Academy on Miami Dade College’s North Campus and will feature health screenings, educational workshops, children’s activities, a timed 5K run and a family walk.
- The event, which was created with a focus on maternal health, has expanded to address the needs of the entire family, with programming covering pregnancy and postpartum care, mental health, early childhood development, financial literacy and physical wellness.
- Organizers said the goal is not only to connect families with health information, but also with providers and community organizations that can offer ongoing support.
Families in North Miami will have access to health screenings, wellness activities and community resources when the MOCHA Family Wellness Fair returns October 4 for its fourth annual event.
The fair will take place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at KIPP Academy on Miami Dade College’s North Campus and will feature health screenings, educational workshops, children’s activities, a timed 5K run and a family walk.
The event, which was created with a focus on maternal health, has expanded to address the needs of the entire family, with programming covering pregnancy and postpartum care, mental health, early childhood development, financial literacy and physical wellness.
Organizers said the goal is not only to connect families with health information, but also with providers and community organizations that can offer ongoing support.
“We’ve learned that families aren’t just looking for information. They’re seeking connection,” event organizers said. “MOCHA gives parents and caregivers a place to ask questions, meet providers, and find support for their families.”
Last year’s fair drew 370 attendees and 46 vendor partners, while 427 people registered. A partnership with a local youth soccer league also connected organizers with more than 300 additional families.
This year’s event will include a Family Wellness Village with activities for children and caregivers, along with workshops addressing maternal health, parenting, financial empowerment and family wellness.
Health screenings and services
Several healthcare organizations and providers are expected to offer screenings, education and other services during the fair.
Eli Lilly plans to bring a mobile research unit offering clinical trial education and no-cost screenings for cholesterol, HbA1c, Lp(a) and kidney function. Attendees ages 55 and older may also have access to pTau screening, which can help assess potential Alzheimer’s disease risk.
Quest Diagnostics will offer complimentary laboratory testing covering more than 50 biomarkers associated with conditions including diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.
The Southern Birth Justice Network, with funding from the Quest Diagnostics Foundation, will launch a mobile midwifery clinic offering prenatal and postpartum health risk assessments and testing for at-risk mothers.
Other participating organizations include MedSWISH, which will provide health screenings, and WHOLE (Wellness Health Outreach Love Expression), which will provide health education.
Cloverleaf Chiropractic will offer a complimentary evaluation at its office at a later date. The Kove Co. will offer B12 injections for $45, reduced from its regular $59 price, as well as 15% off a first appointment.
Unity Diagnostics will offer discounted on-site DNA testing at $249 for nonlegal testing and $299 for legal, court-admissible testing.
Memorial Healthcare System and Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures are also participating organizations.
Organizers said screenings and testing may be subject to eligibility requirements and availability.
Family activities and community resources
The timed 5K run and family walk will return after being introduced at the 2025 event.
Families will also have access to children's activity areas and educational workshops throughout the Family Wellness Village.
Community organizations will provide information on services available to local families. PHIG, a student group at FIU’s College of Medicine, will provide voter information.
The Miami-Dade County Office of the Supervisor of Elections will also be on hand with nonpartisan information about elections, including assistance with voter registration, registration updates and requests for Vote-by-Mail ballots.
The fair is supported by community organizations, healthcare providers, sponsors and local businesses. Organizations interested in participating as vendors can register for $100 or more.
The MOCHA Family Wellness Fair will be held Sunday, October 4, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at KIPP Academy on Miami Dade College’s North Campus in North Miami.
Organizations interested in vendor participation, partnerships or sponsorships, as well as media seeking interviews or event updates, can contact Behind The Leaf at mail@behindtheleaf.org.
