Wellness promotion: how to plan a college health fair

American Journal of Health Studies,  Wntr, 2001  by Ann Kelemen

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This article discusses how to plan and produce a college health fair which will serve students and staff on campus, and also residents in the surrounding community. Included is information on defining goals, obtaining agency participation, securing appropriate facilities, and on considering financial realities. A specific timetable is included so that the health fair coordinator can easily organize all aspects of the event.

May in April -- this is the date for the Annual Bronx Community College Health Fair. This event, sponsored by the Department of Health, Physical Education and Wellness, is very much anticipated on campus as we all plan for our "spring tune-up." My role as coordinator for twenty-one years has given me the opportunity to generate resources and to develop insights and creative approaches in order to bring health services to our college population and to those in the surrounding community. This article will focus on the important planning aspects for creating a successful health fair.

DEFINE THE GOAL

Our first aim is to offer a selected number of screening tests and exams. The choice of tests and exams is dependent upon the needs of our diverse population. We are diverse in terms of age as well as financial and cultural background. Tests chosen are also dependent upon the availability, of agencies, campus space, and cost. Last year we tested for HIV, cholesterol, and diabetes as well as chiropractic, podiatric, vision, speech, and pulmonary function abnormalities. In addition, and very importantly, we provided blood testing to increase the numbers in the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry which is in great need of more people of African-American and Hispanic descent, two groups largely represented on our campus. All of these tests were done in our large, airy, wheelchair accessible, multi-purpose community hall.

On campus we parked three mobile vans which were staffed by professionals who provided mammograms, hypertension screening, and hearing exams. Finally, in the privacy of our health service area, we offered Pap smears, breast exams, and screening for testicular cancer.

When planning, our second aim is to include many health professionals with their exhibits, information, and resources for referrals. Last year we included the following components: help for drug addiction (including alcoholism and tobacco use), asthma, sickle cell anemia, sexually transmitted diseases, pre-natal care, and family planning. Nutritional information was also included. Familiar, nationally known groups such as the American Cancer Society, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Women, Infants and Children's Nutrition Program were visible as well.

Our final aim relates to our role as sponsoring host. The Department of Health, Physical Education and Wellness emphasizes our mission by including relevant components each year. A staple of our fair is our physical education life fitness measurements -- height, weight, cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, flexibility and body composition.

We also include presentations by representatives from our athletic and intramural programs. These emphasize the value of activity to enhance alternate and natural highs as the basis for wellness and as a prevention from dependency and other health problems. Students who participate in these programs serve as role models on our campus. Their commitment to participation in regular physical activity serves as an example to others. Many college students want to look good and to feel good and they understand the role of exercise and conditioning to achieve this. They are more apt to set a fitness goal if they have a peer mentor to guide them.

PLAN AGENCY PARTICIPATION

It is necessary to research your region for resources. Here are some possibilities, and some examples from our fair:

1) National Organizations

* American Cancer Society, New York, N.Y. -- Prevention information and support services -- Stop smoking groups

* The National Bone Marrow Donor Registry, New York, N.Y. -- Blood typing for National Registry

* WIC Program, Morrisania Family Care Center, Bronx, N.Y. -- Nutrition education and supplemental food

2) Local Hospitals, Community Outreach Department

* Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, N.Y. -- HIV testing and counseling -- Hypertension screening (mobile van)

* St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, N.Y. -- Asthma workshop -- Pulmonary function test -- Counseling and referrals for drug abuse -- Dental screening

* Long Island Jewish Hospital, Queens, N.Y. -- Sickle cell disease screening

3) Health Professional College

* New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, N.Y. -- Foot exams

4) Non-Profit Community-Based Clinics

* Morrisania Family Care Center, Bronx, N.Y. -- WIC Program

* Morris Heights Health Center, Bronx, N.Y. -- Breast exams -- Pap smears -- Testicular cancer screening

* New York League for the Hard of Hearing, New York, N.Y. -- Hearing exams (mobile van)

5) Municipal Health Services