HOW TO GO
What: Clark County Minority Health Fair
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Fulton Elementary School campus, 631 S. Yellow Springs St.
For more information, call the Clark County Combined Health District at 390-5600.
By Dr. Surender R. Neravetla
Contributing Writer
A need to connect health care providers in Springfield with members of the community who need it most is the driver behind the first Minority Health Fair at Fulton Elementary School on April 30.
Demographically, the primarily African-American Fulton School area is an example of the disparities in access to health care for some areas of Springfield.
Lack of access to health care and not accessing the available health care in a timely manner, are often cited as the reasons why the residents of this neighborhood often present to the health care system at a later stage in the disease process. Additionally, some health problems affect African Americans disproportionately.
High blood pressure, for example, by far the most common health problem affecting African Americas, is often described as a malignant disease. High blood pressure hits black America at a much earlier age, it is more severe, more difficult to control and the complications more severe compared to Caucasians.
Obesity, another health issue affects nearly 90 percent of African-American women over the age of 50. Obesity brings with it a long list of diseases, disabilities, dysfunctions and, ultimately, premature death.
Prevention and timely treatment of these illnesses is the ultimate goal of this health fair, which will include screening for these and many other common health problems. A variety of blood tests and mammograms will also be offered.
The health fair is a collaborative effort of NAACP Springfield Chapter, LINKS of Springfield, the Gammon House, Community Mercy Health Partners and Heart Health Now. A large number of physicians, nursing staff and many prominent citizens have committed to participating and supporting this health fair.
Dr. Surender R. Neravetla is the Director of Cardiac Surgery at Springfield Regional Medical Center.
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