Students in Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences are planning an inaugural student-organized health fair on Saturday, Feb. 27, to increase health awareness and access for needy populations in Des Moines.
“This health fair represents the largest collaborative student effort I have seen at Drake,” said Benjamin Urick, a third-year student in the professional pharmacy program from Prophetstown, Ill., who is organizing the health fair. “We hope to offer free basic health tests and education to those who need it most. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved.”
The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Southridge Mall, 1111 E. Army Post Rd. in Des Moines, will feature students from more than 12 Drake student organizations.
Students, under pharmacist supervision by Drake pharmacy faculty and local pharmacists, will offer free information and screening services, including:
- Diabetes, blood glucose testing
- Heartburn screening
- Immunizations
- Cholesterol testing
- Blood pressure testing
- Bone density testing
A free H1N1 clinic and a blood donation station (located in the mall parking lot) also will be included in the health fair.
Free information will be available on topics such as smoking cessation, health care education and reform and drug abuse prevention, among other topics. Information will be available for bi-lingual speakers as well as lists of other local free clinics.