Smiling children with teddy bears in tow were a common scene at the UTHealth Houston Cares health fair on Saturday, March 9. The event provided a warm and friendly environment for children and their families, offering UTHealth Houston students the opportunity to put their experience into action. Dwight Fan, co-director of the health fair and fourth-year medical student with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, expressed his joy at seeing children's excitement, stating, "It was an absolute joy to see the eyes of a little girl light up when she realized that she could be just like the clinical staff and volunteers one day."
Ruda Mohaweche, MD, an internist at the Jensen clinic, emphasized the impact of community education and health maintenance, stating, "This fair will have a huge impact because people will learn we have these services available to them." The event provided 126 no-cost screenings focusing on various health aspects, including dental, vision, blood glucose, BMI, vital signs, and a nutrition demonstration.
The community event also included the distribution of food to food-insecure families, made possible by a generous donation from The Cupboard, a UTHealth Houston School of Public Health food pantry. Gretchen H. Walton, JD, MPH, director of The Cupboard, highlighted the importance of community assistance, stating, "Our students are always on board and want to provide that assistance to the community."
Volunteers, including staff members from various roles at the Jensen clinic, engaged with families in the area, providing support and information. Sa’Misty Utley, MSW, a senior social worker at the clinic, shared her role in helping patients understand the impact of social determinants of health on mental well-being. Kaisly Ducasse, a community health worker II at the clinic, expressed her love for assisting patients with their health care needs and connecting with families in the area.
Reflecting on the event, Hailey Kim, a fourth-year dental student and dental liaison for the event, shared, "Having the opportunity to volunteer at the health fair reminds me why I chose this field in the first place." The positive impact of the event was evident when a man returned asking about the next fair, showcasing the community's appreciation for the initiative.
The UTHealth Houston Cares health fair, led by dedicated students and supported by experts and community members, continues to make a meaningful impact on the community by promoting health education and access to essential services.
