Guests:
Itzayana Montoya, Community Health Educator, Northern Nevada Public Health
Yolanda Rangel, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator, Community Health Alliance
Episode overview
Family Health Festivals bring free health services and community resources directly into Washoe County neighborhoods, helping families overcome barriers such as transportation, language, work schedules and limited access to care. In this episode, representatives from Northern Nevada Public Health and Community Health Alliance discuss how the collaborative initiative has evolved over the past decade, why meeting people where they are improves access to preventive care, and how community partnerships are helping connect families with the services they need to live healthier lives.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Family Health Festivals began and have grown into a community-led collaboration serving Washoe County families
Why bringing health services into schools and community spaces helps reduce barriers to care
The role language access, health literacy and culturally responsive outreach play in improving health outcomes
How the festivals connect families with free screenings, vaccinations, dental, vision and hearing services, food assistance, legal resources and other community programs
Why addressing social determinants of health such as food security, transportation and utility assistance is essential to improving overall health
How participant feedback shapes future festivals and expands available services
Resources
Learn more about Family Health Festivals at fbnn.org/fhf or contact organizers at familyhealthfestivals@gmail.com.
2026 Events
Aug. 1: Hug High School, 9 a.m. to noon
Oct. 8: Reno Livestock Events Center, 3-6 p.m.
