Hispanic Group Holds Back-To-School Health Fair
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Staff Report-
The event was a success for the community with 251 adult participants receiving health screenings and 324 children receiving book bags with school supplies, according to a press release from the NIHHC.
This event was organized thanks to funding from the K21 Health Foundation, United Way of Kosciusko, Warsaw Community Schools, National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, Maple Leaf Farms, Anthem, Grace College & Seminary, MHS and Parkview Warsaw.
During Saturday’s health fair, the NIHHC offered 14 free health screenings, such as lipid panels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose), kidney, A1C for diabetics only, back exams, blood pressure, anemia, and oxygen levels, among several others. The free screenings included a one-on-one explanation of what each result means, with concrete ways on how each person can improve their health, the release states.
Dr. Iza Rosa, who volunteered in the kidney area, was so concerned about the community’s health, and mentioned that “this event was her inspiration to start offering speeches, in conjunction with the NIHHC, to educate people about things like what a protein is and what is the function of the kidney.” She also stated, “If we don’t help them understand the basic concepts, how can we expect them to take control of their health?”
The event would not have been possible without the support received from the 63 community volunteers, including health care professionals, who took part in the fair, the release states.
Ralph Villalon, one of the volunteers from Lake City Bank, who was present with four other volunteers from the bank, said, “I personally was tired at the end of the event yet I had a good time volunteering because I met wonderful volunteers that were all willing to do what was asked of them and more. I had fun participating as many of the volunteers had a good sense of humor and did not hesitate to joke. I would certainly volunteer to assist NIHHC in the future. I also felt a strong personal satisfaction for having assisted many of those less fortunate that attended and may otherwise not have the financial resources to have the health tests performed elsewhere.”
Thanks to Anthem and MHS, the NIHHC distributed 324 free book bags filled with school supplies to children in kindergarten to sixth grade that arrived with their parents.
Exhibiting at the event were Anthem, Bowen Center, Brightpoint, Grace College & Seminary, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Kosciusko County Promise, Law Office of Travis J. McConnell, Masterson Chiropractic, MHS, NIHHC, Northern Indiana Maternal Child Health Network, Parkview Warsaw.
One of the exhibitors, McConnell, a new bilingual attorney who just returned back to Warsaw, his hometown, said, “It was a very exciting opportunity to meet the community and others looking to serve. I was able to meet many local individuals and discuss their concerns and needs. Overall the information was positive.”
Liliana Quintero, executive director of the NIHHC, said, “This Back-to-School health fair was a great example of the NIHHC’s mission in action, which aims to reduce health disparities by making health services accessible to everyone regardless of race, age, income, gender or national origin. At this health fair, 69 percent of the attendees were Hispanics, 27 percent were white and 4 percent were Asian or African Americans. Out of a total of 575 attendees, 44 percent were adults and 56 percent were children. Almost 3,000 free health screenings were offered – with each participant receiving a one-on-one explanation and referral, if necessary, to clinics appealing to their health and social needs. Also, each family received a copy of the new NIHHC 2015-2017 Community Resource Directory that we hope will empower and encourage them to take ownership of their health. Our success would not be possible without the support of our health care professionals, volunteers and exhibitors who made each of the attendees feel welcome and who provided them with concrete recommendations on their health issues. When we see that 28 percent of the 108 people who have their kidney screenings are showing borderline or abnormal results, this should be a call to action for everyone. We still have a long way to go, but at least we are on the right track in raising awareness of the community’s health issues.”
The NIHHC first opened its doors in Warsaw in 2010, and in the past fiscal year alone has offered a total of 24 health fairs and 7,560 free screenings to the community. This represents over $200,000 worth of preventative health screenings, not including the value of the time donated by volunteers and health care providers, according to the press release.
The purpose of the NIHHC’s health fairs is to increase access to health services to underserved, uninsured community members by helping them identify if they are at risk of diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, among others, which increases the risk of heart diseases or stroke. If participants require further medical attention, the NIHHC assists participants in seeking options that are viable to their health needs and economic status. Also, participants have the option to enroll in NIHHC health education classes that are offered at certain times throughout the year.
In addition to the health fairs, the NIHHC also holds routine health education programs and client-based services from our Warsaw office, located in the K21 Health Services Pavilion or from its main office in Elkhart. NIHHC is able to assist both English- and Spanish-speaking clients by helping them navigate the healthcare system, and finding solutions to their health care needs that work within their budget.
To see the detailed statistical results of the health fair, visit the “Events and Educational Programs” tab at the website www.nihhc.com, or contact the organization by phone at 574-372-3536 or by email at [email protected].[[In-content Ad]]
The event was a success for the community with 251 adult participants receiving health screenings and 324 children receiving book bags with school supplies, according to a press release from the NIHHC.
This event was organized thanks to funding from the K21 Health Foundation, United Way of Kosciusko, Warsaw Community Schools, National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, Maple Leaf Farms, Anthem, Grace College & Seminary, MHS and Parkview Warsaw.
During Saturday’s health fair, the NIHHC offered 14 free health screenings, such as lipid panels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose), kidney, A1C for diabetics only, back exams, blood pressure, anemia, and oxygen levels, among several others. The free screenings included a one-on-one explanation of what each result means, with concrete ways on how each person can improve their health, the release states.
Dr. Iza Rosa, who volunteered in the kidney area, was so concerned about the community’s health, and mentioned that “this event was her inspiration to start offering speeches, in conjunction with the NIHHC, to educate people about things like what a protein is and what is the function of the kidney.” She also stated, “If we don’t help them understand the basic concepts, how can we expect them to take control of their health?”
The event would not have been possible without the support received from the 63 community volunteers, including health care professionals, who took part in the fair, the release states.
Ralph Villalon, one of the volunteers from Lake City Bank, who was present with four other volunteers from the bank, said, “I personally was tired at the end of the event yet I had a good time volunteering because I met wonderful volunteers that were all willing to do what was asked of them and more. I had fun participating as many of the volunteers had a good sense of humor and did not hesitate to joke. I would certainly volunteer to assist NIHHC in the future. I also felt a strong personal satisfaction for having assisted many of those less fortunate that attended and may otherwise not have the financial resources to have the health tests performed elsewhere.”
Thanks to Anthem and MHS, the NIHHC distributed 324 free book bags filled with school supplies to children in kindergarten to sixth grade that arrived with their parents.
Exhibiting at the event were Anthem, Bowen Center, Brightpoint, Grace College & Seminary, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Kosciusko County Promise, Law Office of Travis J. McConnell, Masterson Chiropractic, MHS, NIHHC, Northern Indiana Maternal Child Health Network, Parkview Warsaw.
One of the exhibitors, McConnell, a new bilingual attorney who just returned back to Warsaw, his hometown, said, “It was a very exciting opportunity to meet the community and others looking to serve. I was able to meet many local individuals and discuss their concerns and needs. Overall the information was positive.”
Liliana Quintero, executive director of the NIHHC, said, “This Back-to-School health fair was a great example of the NIHHC’s mission in action, which aims to reduce health disparities by making health services accessible to everyone regardless of race, age, income, gender or national origin. At this health fair, 69 percent of the attendees were Hispanics, 27 percent were white and 4 percent were Asian or African Americans. Out of a total of 575 attendees, 44 percent were adults and 56 percent were children. Almost 3,000 free health screenings were offered – with each participant receiving a one-on-one explanation and referral, if necessary, to clinics appealing to their health and social needs. Also, each family received a copy of the new NIHHC 2015-2017 Community Resource Directory that we hope will empower and encourage them to take ownership of their health. Our success would not be possible without the support of our health care professionals, volunteers and exhibitors who made each of the attendees feel welcome and who provided them with concrete recommendations on their health issues. When we see that 28 percent of the 108 people who have their kidney screenings are showing borderline or abnormal results, this should be a call to action for everyone. We still have a long way to go, but at least we are on the right track in raising awareness of the community’s health issues.”
The NIHHC first opened its doors in Warsaw in 2010, and in the past fiscal year alone has offered a total of 24 health fairs and 7,560 free screenings to the community. This represents over $200,000 worth of preventative health screenings, not including the value of the time donated by volunteers and health care providers, according to the press release.
The purpose of the NIHHC’s health fairs is to increase access to health services to underserved, uninsured community members by helping them identify if they are at risk of diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, among others, which increases the risk of heart diseases or stroke. If participants require further medical attention, the NIHHC assists participants in seeking options that are viable to their health needs and economic status. Also, participants have the option to enroll in NIHHC health education classes that are offered at certain times throughout the year.
In addition to the health fairs, the NIHHC also holds routine health education programs and client-based services from our Warsaw office, located in the K21 Health Services Pavilion or from its main office in Elkhart. NIHHC is able to assist both English- and Spanish-speaking clients by helping them navigate the healthcare system, and finding solutions to their health care needs that work within their budget.
To see the detailed statistical results of the health fair, visit the “Events and Educational Programs” tab at the website www.nihhc.com, or contact the organization by phone at 574-372-3536 or by email at [email protected].[[In-content Ad]]
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