The community is invited to take advantage of free health screenings at the Rescue Mission on Friday, Dec. 9. Students from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) will host the health fair from 10am to 2pm. The Health Department will also be administering flu shots from 10am-12pm.
VCOM has been coming to the Rescue Mission twice a year since 2012 to offer free health screenings to guests staying at the Mission, as well as anyone in the community. This Friday 24 students and four faculty members will be on hand to administer, blood pressure, skin and blood sugar screenings and cholesterol testing. Information on BMI/nutrition, immunization, and cancer risks will also be available.
“This is a great experience for students to reach out to the community and provide these free health screenings,” says Dr. Linda Frasca, associate professor and Chair of Underserved Care at VCOM.
Also provided at the Health Fair will be osteopathic manipulation, which focuses on working body tissues, muscles and bones in order to improve health and circulation, relieve fatigue, and promote healing.
“We are always so appreciative when VCOM comes to host their free health fair,” says Helen Ferguson, Rescue Mission Chief Programs Officer. “It’s important for our guests and individuals from the community to engage with health care professionals because for some, it can be an important first step towards getting the medical care they need.”
