Last August (2017), IUSM students collaborated with Eskenazi Health to host the Community Day Health Fair. The health fair was held at the Eskenazi Health West 38th Street Clinic in Indianapolis and offered a wide variety of health-related services and information to participants. Free sports physicals were provided for school-age children. Many free health screenings were available, including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, cholesterol, vision tests and dental exams. Services were offered in both English and Spanish. Many vendors from the community came to the fair, including insurance companies, the Marion County Public Health Department, women’s health organizations, and legal services. In addition, 14 student groups from IUSM were there with health information pamphlets, giveaways and games to educate the community on healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. To mention a few, the Neurology student group educated attendees on stroke prevention, the Pediatrics group spoke to kids about staying active, and the OB/GYN group had information available about reproductive health. A total of 55 students volunteered!
Fair attendees received door prizes including water bottles and string bags. Participants also entered into a raffle for prizes like gift baskets, sports equipment, and gift cards. All school children who attended the fair received backpacks filled with school supplies. There was a bouncy house outside of the fair, and the local fire department even stopped by with their fire truck!
The 2017 Community Day Health Fair was an enormous success. Students enjoyed working with the wonderful physicians, nurses, managers, and assistants at Eskenazi Health to organize this event. In previous years, this event was known as the Westside Health Fair. It primarily focused on offering flu shots to the community and included only one Eskenazi clinic. The 2017 health fair was comprised of three Eskenazi Clinics—Blackburn, Westside and West 38th Street—and offered more services than any previous health fair.
The 2018 Community Day Health Fair will be held on Saturday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m and will be bigger and better than ever!
