Northwell Health’s Danbury Hospital will bring free health screenings, medical guidance, and other essential services directly to the community during its annual Mission Health Day on Saturday, October 24.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Western Connecticut State University’s Bill Williams Gymnasium in Berkshire Hall. The Midtown campus is located at 181 White St., with access to the gym off Osborne Street.

Mission Health Day is open to adults aged 18 and older who are uninsured, underinsured, or at risk of housing instability. All services are provided at no cost.

Only adults will be eligible to receive health services. Unlike some previous years, the 2026 event will not provide childcare, a children’s activity area, or other activities for children. Parents and caregivers should make childcare arrangements before attending.

Participants will be able to receive general health assessments and speak with medical providers. Services will include basic testing, diabetes education, podiatry screenings, eye and dental exams, vaccinations, and referrals for screening mammograms.

Medical teams will also help connect participants with primary care providers when follow-up services are needed. Mental health and addiction education, referrals, and assistance with health insurance enrollment will also be available.

This year’s event comes at an important time for Connecticut’s immigrant community. Beginning October 1, new federal eligibility rules will cause some refugees, asylees, trafficking victims, and humanitarian parolees to lose HUSKY Health coverage based on those immigration categories.

Some people may continue to qualify under a different category. For example, certain individuals who have become lawful permanent residents may remain eligible under separate rules. The Connecticut Department of Social Services will notify affected households and request documents when needed.

For people who lose coverage, the cost of a medical appointment, screening, or test can become a serious barrier. Mission Health Day cannot replace regular health insurance or continuing medical care. However, it can provide an important opportunity to receive basic services, speak with a provider, and learn where to find follow-up care.

In addition to healthcare services, attendees will receive free personal care packages, winter clothing, and haircuts.

The New American Dream Foundation is among the organizations supporting the event, along with Western Connecticut State University, the City of Danbury, ASML, HavenCare, and the Union Savings Bank Foundation.

The foundation has supported Mission Health Day since the event began in 2017. At that year’s American Dream Awards Gala, the foundation raised $15,000 from ticket sales to help fund the first event. The partnership supports the foundation’s work to expand healthcare access, especially for immigrants and other residents who cannot afford health insurance.

Language and cultural barriers can also prevent people from seeking preventive care or understanding the healthcare system. Bilingual and trilingual volunteers have served as navigators at past events, helping participants to move through the different service areas and to understand the available resources.

Mission Health Day brings Northwell Health medical professionals, community organizations, students, and volunteers together in one location. By offering screenings and referrals before a condition becomes more serious, the event can serve as an important first point of care for residents who might otherwise go without help.

Mission Health Day will be held Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WCSU’s Bill Williams Gymnasium, 181 White St. in Danbury. Services are limited to adults age 18 and older. Childcare and children’s activities will not be available, so parents and caregivers should plan accordingly.