On October 8, 2022, BACE hosted the first-ever Bristol Community Health Day, a groundbreaking event organized by grassroots community organizations with significant support from two NHS trusts in and around the city. This event specifically targeted members of African, Asian, Caribbean, and other diverse communities who found it challenging in accessing certain healthcare services.
Sponsored by Genomics England and strongly supported by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, as well as North Bristol NHS Trust, the event offered a wide range of healthcare options such as spirometry, liver testing, blood pressure checks, and breast examinations. Numerous stalls provided information on Blood and Organ donation, cancer in Black men, maternal and mental healthcare, community programs, and genomic and other research opportunities for members of local communities in attendance.
The event drew a large crowd, with attendees amazed at the array of services available. Tests that were otherwise inaccessible for months were readily available throughout the day, and the testing booths were fully booked. Information booths were busy, providing previously unknown resources to the community. Many people volunteered for research projects for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the city.
The success of the event impressed the supporting NHS trusts so much that they replicated it at Southmead Hospital in March the following year. Following this, Genomics England conducted valuable research projects and workshops in the city, furthering the impact initiated by the Bristol Community Health Day.