FRANKLIN PARK -- Dozens of area residents took advantage of a one-stop shop for health and wellness resources, government services and information about local programs during a health fair sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and the Village of Franklin Park on Friday, Oct. 21.

Scroll down for video from event.

Community health fairs like these are an important service provided by elected officials because they are a way to bring public and private resources to residents.

"I think it's important to bring government resources to the people I represent and not expect them always to come and find out from government what resources are available," Harmon said, noting that the state budget stalemate has affected the availability of services to people throughout Illinois.

"As folks find doors that used to be open to them closed, they're looking to find the open windows, and that's what we're trying to do here -- to make sure that as many state and local, public and private resources as we can muster are pulled together in one place at one time so that folks can take full advantage of them."

The Franklin Park health fair included flu shots, free health screenings, public safety information, local service providers and more.

Harmon is hosting a second health fair on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Addison Park District community room, 120 E. Oak St.. Rep. Kathleen Willis is co-sponsoring the event, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will feature a variety of services, including:

• Flu shots from Walgreens (insurance required, Medicare or cash payment accepted)
• Free health screenings and disease prevention information
• On-site motor-vehicle services from the Illinois secreatry of state, including driver's license and ID renewal
• Unclaimed property search with the help of the Illinois treasurer's I-Cash program
• The Illinois attorney general's anti-fraud unit
• Information from local oragnizations, including the Addison Fire Protection District, the Addison Park District, Elmhurst Hospital and more
• Giveaways and refreshments

The Addison health fair is free and open to people of all ages. For more information, contact Senator Harmon's office at 708-848-2002.