Annual Health Fair in St. Louis, USA

The SSIO of USA, Mid-Central Region, organised an annual health fair on 3^rd October 2015 at the Holy Trinity Church and Parish Center in St. Ann, Missouri. This year’s medical camp evolved into an event focusing not only on healthcare but also on the social welfare of the underserved Latino community. About 22 community organisations, including the Laborers’ International Union of North America, International Institute of St. Louis, St. Louis Crisis nursery, and other groups offered more than 32 healthcare and social welfare related services to help the needy Latino community. A team of 40 healthcare professionals and 121 general volunteers served 158 adults and 90 children.

Health services included flu shots, blood sugar tests, lipid panels, blood pressure and vital sign measurements, tests for asthma, ankle scans for osteoporosis screening, hearing tests, behavioural health, children’s health and immunization, nutrition/diet advice, mammogram registration, information on health insurances and consultations with medical, dental and vision professionals. The Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive successfully registered 14 prospective donors. Educational information was given on prevention of kidney disease, stroke, and diabetes. Posters were on display to explain how human values promote both physical and mental wellbeing.

Visitors were given valuable information on securing employment, social assistance, prevention of exploitation and abuse, and short-term shelter for children ages 12 and under, in emergency situations. In honour of Sathya Sai Baba’s 90^th Birthday, fair attendees were served lunch, consisting of bean burritos, chips and an apple. Reading glasses, children’s school supplies, bicycle helmets, basketballs and footballs, and dental hygiene kits with toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed to the attendees. Sathya Sai volunteers also presented a gift of 90 blankets to the Gateway homeless shelter, for warding off the cold during winter. A 14-year old boy, who came with his mother and acted as a translator for her, was so touched by his experience that he wanted to volunteer as a translator at next year’s camp.