UNMC Medical Students Plan First Annual Community
Health Fair
Striving for educational excellence and service to their community is
a hallmark among University of Nebraska Medical Center students. But for
UNMCs students of color, giving back to their communities, especially
the types of underrepresented communities where many of these students
grew up, is especially rewarding. That is why the UNMC Student National
Medical Association, in conjunction with fellow SNMA students from Creighton
University, is sponsoring Healthy People 2000, the first annual SNMA-sponsored
community health fair in the associations Midwest Region.
Healthy People 2000 will be held April 8, at the Boys and Girls Club
(Formerly Flanagan High School), 2606 Hamilton St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The target populations are North Omahas African-Americans and Latinos
from South Omaha. Transportation from South Omaha, as well as Spanish language
interpreters, will be available to participants.
In 1999, SNMA, Americas oldest and largest organization focused on
the needs and concerns of medical students of color, was awarded a grant
from the National Institutes of Health to sponsor community health fairs
by local chapters. The nationwide SNMA membership includes nearly 5,000
medical students, pre-medical students, residents, and licensed physicians.
Established in 1964 by students from Howard University College of Medicine,
Washington, D.C., and Meharry Medical College, Atlanta, Ga., SNMA claims
more than 30 years of service to underrepresented communities.
The April 8 health fair will feature free screenings for high blood
pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, glaucoma and other vision problems.
With more than 20 booths, participants can obtain information on prostate
and breast cancers, bone marrow and organ donation, prenatal care, HIV/AIDS,
sexually transmitted diseases, holistic health treatments (herbs, yoga,
massage, etc.) and nutrition. People are encouraged to bring their medications,
especially senior citizens, and counselors will review proper usage.
The Boys and Girls Club building is excellent for our program, said
Patrice Tyson, president of the UNMC Student National Medical Association.
Its a large facility, located just a couple blocks off the Hamilton Street
exit on I-480 North, and very accessible to the disabled.
Were especially pleased to have an entire section of the fair devoted
to children, Tyson said. We will have child-oriented presentations on
nutrition, smoking, personal hygiene, asthma and exercise. Physical therapists
and local
aerobics instructors will lead the kids in some routines.
Community service is the heart and soul of SNMA and eliminating disparities
in health care delivery, disease morbidity and disease mortality are among
its highest priorities. SNMA programs are designed to serve the health
needs of underrepresented communities, educate people about important health
matters to their particular community, and assure that medical services
are sensitive to the needs of culturally diverse populations.
Overall, we will be offering participants a lot more information and
incentives to complete the various screenings, Tyson said. At the end
of their visit, each person will be asked if he or she would like us to
forward their health information on to a specific health care provider.
We want to ensure that any potential problems are followed up with the
proper medical professional.
In addition, SNMA is committed to assuring that students of color are
encouraged to consider and prepare for medical and scientific careers.
Specific guidance, education and assistance are provided directly to elementary,
high school and college students.
This health fair is just another opportunity for students of color
to return the benefits of our education back to our communities in a meaningful
way, Tyson said. Our ultimate goal is to make the fair an annual event.
Next year wed like the host community to be South Omaha and then alternate
between North and South Omaha thereafter.
For more information about Healthy People 2000, contact Tyson at 556-9006.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment, solid organ transplantation and arthritis.
During the past year, nearly $31 million in research grants and contracts
were awarded to UNMC scientists, and UNMCs funding from the National Institutes
of Health increased by 28 percent, going from $16.2 million to $20.7 million.
UNMCs educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals
practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.