Georgia Partners Educational Foundation, founded in 1997, at the request of local physicians who recognized a need in Central Georgia to educate the public on health related diseases and issues. In March 1998, the GPEF Foundation board elected to host the Cherry Blossom Health Fair that was open to the public at no cost. Nineteen health screenings were offered and two noted physicians spoke on osteoporosis and aids during the day to educate the public on these diseases. The Cherry Blossom Health Fair was repeated again in 1999 with approximately 4,000 attending for the health screenings. This health fair will be repeated in March 2000 with additional screenings added and GPEF will also sponsor a medical lecture series during this time with a different topic being discussed each night by a notable physician to educate the general public. In 1999, GPEF has partnered with the Bibb County Health to provide free influenza and pneumovax immunizations to local senior citizens. We have begun to work with other organizations to begin to assist with problems of domestic violence and hunger to provide support and prevention programs for struggling individuals and their families.