Free Health Fair

By: Norberto Perez |Staff writer|

Riverside Community College hosted a free health fair this past weekend. In partnership with the League of United Latin American Citizens and Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine the college screened Inland Empire residents for multiple health concerns.

Blood pressure, diabetes, and vision screening were some of the services offered. Other services were more aesthetical such as free manicure and haircuts offered by the RCC cosmetology department. The quadrangle that usually is filled with college aged students was filled with families, children and the elderly.

Lectures were also offered on health and nutrition. The health and welfare of the community was the scope of the fair as well as that of immigrants through a human trafficking symposium.

Information was there for all in Spanish and English. Pamphlets were made available to reach those that couldn’t make the health fair. Free lunches were also available and were used as examples of healthy meals. Bilingual services were offered for all the kiosks, lectures, and screenings. A zumba dance and exercise performance was a main attraction as the colorful costumed choreography corralled the community closely.

The afternoon sun didn’t faze anybody as plenty of shade made the heat manageable. The services were made available to all those that could not have access to a regular physician or clinic. One major reason is economically based while the other major factor is immigration status.

There were so many needy people that at one point no more haircuts were offered as the wait list would go beyond the 6 hour fair closing time.