Student Organization Brings Free Health to Community

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter in the School of Medicine will host a free health fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 2 at the South Plains Mall, 6002 Slide Road, outside of the JC Penney location.

SNMA is the nation's oldest and largest independent, student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of minority medical students. Cole Livingston, a second-year medical student and SNMA member, said the organization is dedicated to ensuring medical education and services such as community outreach events.

“The purpose of the SNMA Health Fair is to reach out to the Lubbock community by providing people with important health information and free screening services,” Livingston said. "Our goal is to positively impact the health of everyone in our area, especially those who are medically underserved and would otherwise be unable to afford these services."

Screening services include blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose checks. Informational services include diabetes education, mental health tools and nutrition information for adults and children.

Participants also can get a first-hand view of video otoscopes. Video otoscopes are optical devices that transfer a live image from the ear, through an internal video camera chip, to a TV monitor. This will allow people to see what a health care provider sees when using an otoscope.

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) will provide Hard Hats for Little Heads. TMA's Hard Hats for Little Heads encourages children and adults to wear a properly fitting helmet in all wheeled sports such as bicycling, skateboarding, inline skating and when riding a scooter. The first 100 participants will receive a free helmet. United Supermarkets and Sun Harvest Farmers Market are sponsors for the event and will provide refreshments.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Services at (806) 743-2300.