Hispanic Coalition Hosting Back-to-School Health Fair
Posted
Staff Report-
Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition will host a Back-to-School Health Fair at Warsaw Community High School Saturday. This event is organized thanks to funding and generosity from 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, according to a press release from NIHHC. This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Career Center Gym. During Saturday’s health fair, the NIHHC will offer 15 free health screenings, administered by over 80 community volunteers and health care professionals. The screenings will include: lipid panels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose), kidney screenings, A1C for diabetics only, back exams, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, among several others. Lipid panels require participants to have been fasting for a minimum of 12 hours. The free screenings will include a one-on-one explanation of what each result means, and with concrete ways on how each person can improve their health. “K21 is pleased to be a supporter of the Back-to-School Health Fair at Warsaw Community High School,” said K21 President and CEO Rich Haddad. “The event, which is open to everyone, provides community members with the opportunity to take part in free screenings that will help them to learn more about their health.” The NIHHC also will distribute free book bags filled with school supplies to children grades kindergarten through sixth grade that arrive with their parents. The book bags are first come, first served, and the child must be present to receive the book bag. In addition, exhibitors such as Anthem, Parkview Warsaw, Grace College & Seminary, Brightpoint, Law Office of Travis J. McConnell, Bowen Center, Kosciusko County Promise, Northern Indiana Maternal Child Health Network and Kosciusko Community Hospital will be in attendance to promote their services and educate participants about the community resources at their disposal. The NIHHC first opened its doors in Warsaw in 2010, and in the past fiscal year alone has offered a total of 13 health fairs and 4,100 free screenings to the community, the press release states. This represents approximately $131,649 worth of prevention screenings, not including the value of the time donated by volunteers and health care providers. The purpose of the NIHHC health fairs is to increase access to health services to underserved, uninsured community members by helping them to identify if they are at risk of diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, among others, which increase the risk of suffering of heart diseases or stroke. If participant requires further medical attention, the NIHHC will assist the participant in seeking options that are viable to their health needs and economic status. Also, the participant has the option to enroll in NIHHC health education classes that are offered at certain times throughout the year. All services are free while supplies last. No appointments are necessary. In addition to the health fairs, the NIHHC also routinely health education programs and client-based services from its Warsaw office, located in the K21 Health Services Pavilion, the release states. It 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. For more information, visit the Events and Educational Programs tab at its website at www.nihhc.com, or call 574-372-3536 or email outreachwar@nihhc.com
