The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine will host a free health fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (April 14) at the South Plains Mall, 6002 Slide Road, outside of the JCPenney location.

Screening services will include blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, eye screenings, body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose checks. Informational services will 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 health care providers see when using an otoscope.

Texas Medical Association will provide Hard Hats for Little Heads. Hard Hats for Little Heads encourages children and adults to wear properly fitting helmets in all wheeled sports. The first 150 participants will receive a free helmet.

SNMA is the nation's oldest and largest independent, student organization focused on the needs of minority medical students. Cynthia Sirri, a second-year medical student and SNMA community liaison, said the organization is dedicated to ensuring medical education and services like community outreach events.

“SNMA has always had an active presence in the community and not only in Lubbock but across the country as well and this health fair is a great way for us to directly impact our local community by providing services free of charge,” Sirri said. “Our goal is to encourage and empower people about their health so they can take control and live healthier lives.”

For more information, contact TTUHSC Student Services at (806) 743-2300.

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