‘Hearts to Nourish Hope’ hosts SAI Health Fair
Lilly Anickat (second from left), president of GINA, helps to coordinate Dr. Sujata Reddy’s Sai Health Fairs. (Photo: Mahadev Desai)
The 35th Sai Health Fair, in coordination with Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA), was held at Hearts to Nourish Hope, a community resource center in Riverdale, Clayton County, Georgia, on Saturday, October 1, 2016. SAI Health Fairs are organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and to promote his and Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophies of nonviolence, community service, and social justice.
Hearts to Nourish Hope provided spacious and comfortable areas for the fair. People of diverse cultures from all over Atlanta arrived to avail themselves of the free consultancy services provided by more than a dozen dedicated physicians representing over ten specialties—not all fairs offer physicians’ services. Attendees also expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to get blood screenings for only $30 (lab work by SYMED LLC in Tucker via Quest Labs). Some, who had private insurance through employment or otherwise, said that even with their insurance, bloodwork can cost much more. Some attendees came from as far as Covington and said that the drive was absolutely worth it.
Clayton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jeffrey Turner stopped by to support the event. Businesses in the community also volunteered, e.g. Tindall Corporation, a construction company in Clayton County, provided Spanish to English translators. Attendees could find out about local services: Hearts to Nourish Hope has food pantry assistance, career services, and more. Southern Regional Hospital has a commitment to early detection of breast cancer and provides free mammograms to those who do not have insurance and/or meet income qualifications. An appointment for a free mammogram, as well as EKG and dietician services was facilitated by the Hospital. Colon cancer awareness education was provided by Southern Gastroenterologist Group.
(Right) Emory University ENT and dermatology research students participated. (Photo: Mahadev Desai)
It was heartening to see student participation. Emory Dermatology (skin) research participants were Assistant Prof. Seema Kini and residents Kevin Luk and Alix Pijeaux, and Emory ENT research residents Danielle DeParo and Lucy Shi participated in oral cancer screening.
(Below) At Sai Health Fairs, unlike many other health fairs, participants are able to consult with doctors. (Photo: Phil Williams)
Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy, Professor, Auburn University (Alabama) carried out audio and dental screenings.
Dr. Shital Gaitonde, Ph.D, was there to inform attendees about Georgia State University’s psychology clinic and offer her services.
Vidya Kanagaraj, Vani Manohar, Scicily Joseph, and other GINA volunteers served with enthusiasm. GINA volunteers triaged all attendees and provided medication counseling. GINA nurses explained the risk factors and warning signs of stroke, and the importance of seeking immediate medical help to reduce complications of stroke. Educational materials in English and Spanish, wallet cards, and magnet cards were provided. “This type of health fair definitely helps to prevent diseases, and improve health and quality of life of people. GINA will continue to contribute to improve health outcomes in the community,” said Lilly Anickat, President of GINA.
Snacks, fruits, and drinks were provided to all participants by Sai Health Fair, and lunch to all doctors, technicians, and volunteers by Hearts to Nourish Hope. Dr. Sujatha Reddy thanked Hearts to Nourish Hope’s Director Deborah Anglin, Sangisetty Charitable Organization, and the many who helped make the fair a big success.
Physicians, other health care professionals, and volunteers were happy to assist all who attended.
(Photo: Phil Williams)
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