News Summary
The fifth annual Rural Health Fair in Dearing, Georgia, organized by Augusta University and McCorkle Nurseries, provided essential medical services to local residents. This event aimed to bridge the healthcare gap faced by those in rural areas by offering health screenings, lifestyle coaching, and mental health resources. Attendees received vital health assessments and many left with additional resources to support their families’ health and well-being.
Dearing, Georgia – Rural Health Fair Provides Essential Healthcare Services to Residents
Augusta University, in collaboration with McCorkle Nurseries Incorporated, successfully organized the fifth annual Rural Health Fair in Dearing, Georgia. The event aimed to enhance access to essential healthcare services for residents living in rural areas, many of whom face significant challenges in receiving medical attention.
The health fair was open to the public, allowing local residents to easily access a range of health checkups. Services were designed to cater to the needs of the community, offering various health screenings that included blood pressure checks, BMI measurements, foot exams, glucose checks, and lipid checks. These comprehensive screenings are crucial for identifying potential health issues early on and managing ongoing health conditions, particularly for those in underserved communities.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Skeetter McCorkle, CEO of McCorkle Nurseries, emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by farm workers in accessing healthcare services in rural counties. The health fair sought to bridge the healthcare gap for individuals who may not live near hospitals or medical facilities. By bringing healthcare services to their doorstep, the event aimed to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
Dr. Jessica L. Stewart from Augusta University also highlighted the importance of enabling individuals to manage their own health effectively. This approach focuses on education and resource availability, ensuring that attendees leave with knowledge and tools to maintain their health.
Variety of Health Resources
In addition to health screenings, the fair offered lifestyle coaching and various resources for attendees. After completing their checkups, participants were provided with free car seats and children’s books, further incentivizing families to prioritize their health while ensuring children’s safety. The availability of such resources is especially beneficial for families with limited access to educational materials and healthcare products.
The event also included mental health and addiction resources, as part of a holistic approach to health care. Visitors had the opportunity to undergo diabetes risk assessments and receive services from the Sheppard Community Blood Center and Safehomes, further enriching the array of health services available at the fair.
Importance of Foot Exams
Foot exams held particular significance during the health fair, especially for diabetic patients who need to monitor their foot health for potential neuropathy complications. Experts checked the function of the carotid artery to identify any abnormalities that could indicate underlying health issues, demonstrating the event’s commitment to comprehensive care.
Student Involvement and Community Engagement
Students from Augusta University actively participated in the fair, gaining practical experience while engaging with the rural community. This not only provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students but also ensured that more resources were available for attendees seeking health services.
A Resource for a Diverse Community
Paula Kitchens, Human Resources Manager at McCorkle Nurseries, noted that many employees come from Mexico and find the health services offered at the fair particularly beneficial. The integration of diverse cultural backgrounds enriches the community aspect of the event, ensuring that it meets the unique needs of its residents.
Overall, the fifth annual Rural Health Fair in Dearing, Georgia, successfully provided essential healthcare services and resources to the local community. It reinforced the importance of accessibility in healthcare, especially for those in rural areas, and highlighted the collaborative efforts of organizations aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved populations.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Health Fair Helping People in Rural Areas
- WFXG: Comfort Keepers Holds 11th Annual North Augusta Healthy Fair
- WJBF: Tabernacle Baptist Church Hosts Mental Health Fair
- Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Wellness Expo
- Wikipedia: Health Care in the United States
