Bridge to Care Refugee Health Fair set for Saturday

Free health screenings, flu shots and health education on a variety of issues will be provided at the fifth annual Bridge to Care Refugee Health Fair, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Monroe Middle School, 5105 Bedford Ave.

The event, which is open to refugees living in the Omaha area, is organized by the Bridge to Care Refugee Program, an interprofessional student-run/community engaged organization coordinated by the Service Learning Academy in the UNMC College of Public Health.

The health fair will feature screenings and education to include:

  • blood glucose
  • blood pressure
  • vision
  • nutrition education
  • sexual health
  • vaccinations and immunizations
  • lead, bed bugs and lice
  • dental hygiene
  • developmental milestones for youth
  • over-the-counter drug display
  • maternal and child health
  • linkage to care, Alegent-Creighton Florence clinic
  • Medicaid services
  • Kid’s Corner activities and health education.

For the past four years, more than 650 UNMC students have engaged with more than 3,500 refugees from eight different countries through the program.

The initiative brings together students and community leaders, health care providers and community organizations to assess needs, aid in understanding the health care system, and provide services. The project also is aimed at improving cultural awareness of UNMC students, who gain experience in caring for the growing refugee population so they can effectively serve these communities.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Elliott at 904-534-7912. To learn more about Bridge to Care, click here.