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A free health clinic for the Hmong community is scheduled for this Saturday in St. Paul. Organizers say they believe this is the first attempt of its kind in the country.
At the Hmong Health Fair, all members of the public can get blood pressure and blood sugar tests free of charge. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hmong Community School of Excellence, located at 270 Larpenteur Avenue West. The fair is aimed at the Hmong community, but others are welcome to attend.
The Hmong Doctors Association and Hmong Nurses Association are sponsoring the health fair, and more than 70 volunteers are expected to participate. Volunteers include doctors, nurses, medical students, and volunteers from across the community.
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Dr. David Tao, a Woodbury plastic surgeon who serves as president of the Hmong Medical Association, said the purpose of the fair is “to empower the community to take control of their health.”
“This is the first time Hmong doctors and nurses have come together to improve the health of our community,” said Tao, who is also co-chair of the Hmong Health Fair. “This is like a visit to the clinic. You meet the doctor, you meet the nurse, and this is the team.”
A doctor and nurse will test your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Attendees will receive their test results confidentially at the trade show, and if their test result level is above the recommended level, they will have the opportunity to meet with a medical professional at the show to explain what the numbers mean. Healthcare providers do not treat patients on-site, but they do provide recommendations on what medical care they should receive.
Attendees can stop by one of the many booths offering free information on topics such as diabetes and high blood pressure, where members of the Hmong community are diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure at higher rates than the general population . The fair will feature booths on asthma, heart disease, and preventive care, as well as career and networking opportunities for aspiring health professionals.
“There are so many health disparities that need to be addressed in many communities, not just the Hmong community,” said Dr. Maisie Lo, a St. Cloud family physician who will be manning the trade show booth. “Healthfare is trying to fill that gap.”
This event is open to all ages, but a collaborative effort is being made to reach older Hmong adults. That's because they are more likely to develop these health conditions and often face barriers to receiving appropriate care, Tao said.
These barriers can include missing information due to incomplete translations or patients feeling uncomfortable sharing medical problems or questions with their physicians.
“Older adults tend to avoid going to the doctor's office unless something is wrong,” said Shelia, a registered nurse who co-chaired the fair and is president of the Twin Cities Chapter of the Hmong Nurses Association.・Mr. Van says: She wants to “promote health checkups and prevention.”
Tao said the presence of Hmong health care providers at the trade show may help seniors feel more at ease in medical settings.
“There are a lot of issues with trust,” Tao said. “This is a way for us to say, 'Hey, we're here for you.' We understand you. We speak the language. In a way, We are your children.”
The St. Paul Fire Department will also be on hand at the event to provide fire safety tips in response to a fire that killed four Hmong children earlier this year.
Thao and other organizers hope to hold Hmong health fairs in other states with large Hmong populations, such as California and Wisconsin. The Hmong Medical Association also hopes to organize a medical mission to Laos next year.
How to Participate in the 2024 Hmong Health Fair
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when: Saturday, April 20th, 9am – 3pm
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where: Hmong Community School of Excellence, 270 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55113
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Fee: free
For more information: Click here to visit the Hmong Health Fair Facebook page.
