All adults will be able to get checked for early signs of heart conditions, including cardiovascular disease, at Te Kāika Forbury Health Centre tomorrow.
Te Kāika social services worker Savannah Ngatae said people had jumped at the chance to help with the event she was co-organising in honour of her mother, Sheralyn Weepers, who died in May.
"My mum had a lot of health problems, one being huge heart problems, to the point where she actually had to go overseas to get life-saving surgery because they wouldn’t do it here for her.
"Unfortunately the day she was due to go and have surgery she passed away."
Statistics were especially concerning for Māori and Pasifika, and it was a way to highlight the importance of getting checked.
It would be a big day, and she hoped it would be a success.
As her mother was well known in the education community, teachers and former pupils were among those who had volunteered to help, along with family and friends.
"Everyone’s rallied round to support our whānau in providing this huge screening day."
Co-organiser Gracyn Liscom said the level of support was "amazing".
At least 50 volunteers were pitching in to help, including people from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, Bayfield High School, and the University of Otago.
Te Kāika staff including GPs and healthcare assistants were also volunteering.
Those with a family history of heart problems were especially encouraged to take part.
There would be a range of tests, and booking was not required, Miss Liscom said.
The event would start at 10am and finish at 4pm, and a basic screening would only take about 10 or 15 minutes.
Food, activities and kapa haka performances would also make it "a day the whole whānau can enjoy".
