Smiling children with teddy bears were a common sight at UTHealth Houston CThe Ares Health Fair was held on Saturday, March 9th. This free community event was held in his fifth year at UT's Physicians Multidisciplinary – Jensen Clinic, providing a warm and friendly environment for children and their families. It also provided UTHealth Houston students with an opportunity to put their experiences into practice (with expert guidance) and connect with the community.
A total of 85 students volunteered their time at this student-sponsored event. At this annual health fair, her 126 free tests were provided to individuals living in areas that often lack access to medical care. Screening stations focused on dental, vision, blood sugar, BMI, vital signs, and nutrition demonstrations.
A family with children stopped by the Teddy Bear Clinic for their first errand. At the station, young children were greeted with smiles as they received new stuffed bears. Volunteers showed the children how to use stethoscopes to listen to the bear's heart and lungs, alleviating their fear of going to the doctor.
“It was so gratifying to see the little girl's eyes light up as she realized that one day she could be just like the clinical staff and volunteers,” she said. dwight fanco-director of the health fair and fourth-year medical student at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
The impact of free testing and community education
Dwight became a passionate advocate for fair access to health care after experiencing the devastating effects of health care disparities on his family members overseas. UT Health Houston Cares It became a big passion project for him and a source of motivation.
“I joined the team this year as co-director because I believe strongly in the organization's impact on Houston,” Dwight said. “Not because one day of testing is the answer to health disparities, but because information and empowerment can create lasting, meaningful change in patients’ lives.”
Dr. Ruda MohawecheThe Jensen Clinic internist agrees about the power of community education and health maintenance.
“This trade fair will have a big impact because people will see that we have these services available to them,” Mohaweche said. “I wanted to participate because I wanted to contribute to the clinic and the community.”
meet nutritional needs
In addition to free testing and medical needs, the community event provided bags of food to the first 24 families. A generous donation from The Cupboard, a food pantry for UTHealth Houston School of Public Health students and people in need, will enable food-insecure families to receive canned goods, rice, and fresh fruit. I did. This act makes a huge difference in the lives of those who receive the food.
Gretchen H. Walton, JD, MPHThe Cupboard director and associate professor at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health is pleased that The Cupboard can be used to meet some of his nutritional needs.
“We understand how difficult it is on the ground and strive to help others in the community whenever we have the opportunity,” Walton said. “Our students are always actively involved and want to provide support to the community. I can't even imagine what others are going through.”
At Jensen Clinic, we brought staff from all roles within the clinic to the community health fair to get to know and represent families. Samishti Atlee, LCSWA senior social worker, he sees patients in the clinic and responds to their mental health needs.
“We know a lot about the social determinants of health and how finances and the environment can affect our mental health,” Utley says. “I help patients understand that the suffering they experience is normal and how they can reduce their stress.”
Kaisly DucasseCommunity Health Worker II at Jensen Clinic said she loves helping patients with their medical needs.
“The health fair is a great experience for students to participate in on behalf of patients,” Ducasse said. “And it's also an opportunity to connect with area families and let them know we're here to meet their needs.”
make a difference
Volunteer work brings a lot of joy not only to the person being cared for, but also to the person themselves. hayley kima fourth-year dental student who is the dental coordinator for this event, agrees.
“Having the opportunity to volunteer at a health fair reminded me why I chose this field in the first place,” Kim said. “It’s great to see people in the community taking the first steps towards their health.”
One of the best testimonies of the day was when a man returned to the clinic with study materials still in his hands. Dwight said his team was confused at first when he re-entered, but were overjoyed when he smiled and asked, “How long until the next fair?” The team hopes to continue expanding its reach by increasing the frequency and impact of its fairs.
See photos from the health fair in our Flickr album.
