Commissioner Alisa Simmons to Host Measles Vaccination Clinic During Upcoming Kidney Awareness Event

March is National Kidney Month

ARLINGTON— In an effort to curb the spread of measles, Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons will host a pop-up measles vaccination clinic on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

The measles pop-up clinic is part of Commissioner Simmons’ second annual 2025 Kidney Wellness & Health Expo.                                         

The vaccination clinic is the first to be hosted by a Tarrant County elected official since a measles outbreak began across the state in late January. The outbreak is the largest in Texas in the last three decades, according to state health officials.

“Measles can lead to death, and loss of life does not have to be the outcome,” said Commissioner Simmons. “While it is a highly communicable disease, measles is preventable.” Commissioner Simmons is urging families to refrain from underestimating the ability of the disease to spread and its potential for devastation.”

Clinical staff from the Tarrant County Public Health Department will operate the pop-up clinic and administer the vaccine between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse, 700 E. Abram St., in Arlington. The vaccine is free, and the event is open to the public.

The 2025 Kidney Wellness and Health Expo is a kidney screening and awareness initiative of Commissioner Simmons that aims to inform communities of the high risk for chronic kidney disease. People who are diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension are all at a higher risk for kidney disease. If left untreated, Chronic Kidney Disease may lead to cancer or death.

Residents may register in advance on Eventbrite for the measles vaccine, a flu shot, or COVID boosters. Walk-ins also are welcome.

The Health Expo will offer complimentary kidney disease screenings by the Dallas chapter of the National Kidney Foundation, presentations by local physicians, food demonstrations, and a health resource fair.

“I had no idea I had Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease,” revealed Commissioner Simmons. “That’s why I’m so passionate about educating people about the disease. I’m throwing in a free lunch to bring people out.”

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects more than 37 million adults in the United States. Research shows that those with diabetes and high cholesterol are at higher risk for kidney disease. African American people are at a higher risk due to genetic factors, high blood pressure, and diabetes—all major contributors to kidney failure.