Wingate plays big role in helping 300+ community members at Health Fair

by Savannah Phillips, student writer

On Sept. 14, the Monroe Science Center opened its doors to the public for the second year in a row for the Community Health and Wellness Fair. Admission to the Science Center and everything offered at the event was free of charge to the public, and more than 300 members of the public attended.

The fair's planning committee was composed of representatives from all of Wingate University's health science programs and the Collaborative for the Common Good, the Office of Advancement, and the Marketing Department. Monroe community partners included Heart for Monroe, the N.C. Cooperative Extension and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. There were 115 exhibitors and volunteers, not including the 60 members of the Wingate men's lacrosse team, who volunteered to help with setup and take-down. The team also provided children with outdoor activities during the fair.

Novant Health was the gold and presenting sponsor of the fair and has been a sponsor for the past several years. As part of its Remarkable You program, Novant brought its mobile medical unit, the Community Cruiser, and provided comprehensive health screenings to adults who may not have the same healthcare opportunities as others in the community.

"We're out here serving the underserved," said Melissa Melendez, health services liaison for Novant. The team completed 13 health screenings, complete with scheduled follow-ups and referral plans.

Novant community-health worker Donna Greene says that Novant wants to be proactive, making the public aware of health-related resources in their community before they are in need of them. "We need to reach out to the community," she says, "and meet them where they are."

Silver sponsor Walgreens Pharmacy administered 72 flu shots over the course of the event. For those who did not have insurance, the flu shots were given free of charge. "The goal is to make sure everyone in the community has access to preventative healthcare via vaccines," says Rob Bowman, healthcare supervisor with Walgreens.

In the same room as Walgreens, fourth-year Wingate pharmacy student Rylee Williams conducted blood-pressure and blood-sugar screenings. "I just hope that we bring awareness to some chronic conditions, like diabetes and hypertension," she said, "things that people might not have the access to get screened for."

Wingate students provided more than 50 blood-pressure and glucose screenings.

Heart for Monroe, also a silver sponsor, ran the Closet Ministry, providing gently used clothing, hygiene kits and other accessories to more than 200 people. "We enjoy just loving on our community and building relationships with them," said Ginger Walle, director of Heart for Monroe. "It's what our ministry is all about." The Closet is open weekly in downtown Monroe, serving Union County and nearby areas of South Carolina.

"I've been so happy with the turnout," said Lisa Dinkins, professor of pharmacy and director of community health outreach, nearly 50 minutes into the fair. "It has really come to life the way I'd hoped, and I feel like we have really met some needs today."

"It was a great idea to have it at the Monroe Science Center," said an eventgoer who was waiting to be seen on Novant's mobile medical unit. "And I'm thankful for the resources they provided here."

While many parents and guardians were getting their health screenings, visiting the Closet or getting immunizations, volunteers such as Megan Healey, a student in her second year in Wingate's physician assistant program, were keeping the children occupied with body tracing. "We're here helping little kids learn about the human body," Healey said. "This is a great thing to be doing, and we're happy to be here."

Karla Santos, a student volunteer from the Health Sciences Academy at Monroe High School, has aspirations of being a neonatal nurse with Atrium after graduation. "We came to help out in whichever way we can," she said. During her time at the fair, Santos acted as an interpreter when needed and entertained children at the arts and crafts table.

Near the main entrance of the Science Center, school supplies, prepackaged by Wingate volunteers, were available on a first-come, first-served basis. More than 200 participants were able to collect school supplies. Along with Novant's Community Cruiser, the Union County Public Schools Book Bus was in the parking lot. Children of all ages were welcomed onboard to find and bring home books of their choosing.

"When I look around," Dinkins said, "I see lots of families and children. I think our vendors have done a great job at having interactive and engaging opportunities for the visitors!"

Jacqueline Leibman, a student in her second year of Wingate's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, grew up in North Carolina and knows that there are many underserved places in the state. "There are a lot of people in the community who need the [physical therapy] assistance," Leibman said, "and we've seen a lot of good patients today."

The students at the physical therapy table performed many injury screenings, with the majority of people seeking relief from back or knee pain, Leibman said. "We're really just doing the best we can to address their needs and minor concerns today," Leibman explained, "and then refer them to our pro bono clinic."

"The 2024 Community Health and Wellness Fair was a success," Dinkins said, "bringing together resources and supplies for over 300 attendees from our community!"

"I could not be more happy with how the event was received by the community," she added, "and I'm grateful for all who volunteered their time in support of the event."

Learn more about this year's Community Health and Wellness Fair.

Sept. 21, 2024

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