This health fair provides area students with an opportunity to learn about community health. counseling, modern language, Nurseand physical therapy program. Additionally, during the health fair, students work in teams and are paired with families, allowing students to practice interdisciplinary communication and personal care.
“What makes this project unique is the collaboration of four interdisciplinary departments: students, community, faculty, and community services,” said Nina Wright, nursing faculty and population health course coordinator. says. “This fair brings together community members, builds bridges between UNG and the Latino community, and provides health education and health promotion.”
Nalely Lopera is a fourth-grader from Lula, Georgia. Bachelor of Science in Nursingis pleased that UNG is contributing to improving the peace of mind of local residents when receiving medical care.
“Language barriers can make patients hesitant to express themselves for fear of not being understood,” Lopera says. “This fair aims to break down that language barrier.”
Meredith Townsend, 3rd grade physical therapist (DPT) student from Douglasville, Georgia, supported the fair last year and is looking forward to participating again.
“This is a great opportunity for us to get out into the community and let people know what physical therapy can do to help people with their health,” Townsend said. “We're glad we can bridge the gap and help people stay healthy. We can build more trust with our community members.”
Fellow DPT third-year student Melissa Martinez from Dalton, Georgia, whose family worked in a carpet factory, knows firsthand the need for events like the Bilingual Health Fair that bring healthcare closer to home.
“One of the reasons I became a physical therapist is because I want to serve the community in this way,” Martinez said. “I know what a difference physical therapy can make, especially when working in a factory.”
Dr. Brian MaloneyThe assistant professor of physical therapy is grateful for the opportunity given to students as part of the fair.
“It’s a great experience for students to collaborate with other disciplines, learn about resources, and contribute to the community,” Maloney said.
