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UNMC, ConAgra Foods co-sponsor free health fair Oct. 18

A free community health fair for metropolitan area residents will be Saturday (Oct. 18) from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Community College South Campus.







“Our goal is to raise awareness about healthy living and encourage the Hispanic community to take necessary steps to maintain their health.”



Athena Ramos



For the fifth year, UNMC and ConAgra Foods will co-sponsor the south Omaha community health fair. Participants will receive screenings that include:

  • free blood pressure;
  • blood sugar and total cholesterol/HDL;
  • oral care – adult and pediatric;
  • height, weight and body mass index;
  • lead check (children under age 7);
  • vision/glaucoma screenings;
  • colorectal take home kits;
  • prostate blood draw;
  • head/neck exams (cancer);
  • carbon dioxide testing for smokers; and
  • health information.

“Many of our community’s most chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are preventable,” said Athena Ramos, program coordinator in UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities. “We are excited to continue the partnership with ConAgra Foods to provide these important screenings to the community because access to early, annual screenings is crucial to maintaining healthy lifestyles.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about healthy living and encourage the Hispanic community to take necessary steps to maintain their health. In addition, the community at large can benefit from access to important health information and screenings,” Ramos said.

In addition to health screenings, participants will receive referrals for follow-up care. The event also will offer food, prizes and activities for the entire family.

Sponsoring organizations include: ConAgra Foods, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities, The Nebraska Medical Center South Omaha Community Care Council, Creighton University Medical Center, Mexican Ministry of Health, Nebraska AIDS Project, UNMC College of Nursing Mobile Nursing Center, Latino Center of the Midlands, Metropolitan Community College-South Campus, ConAgra Foods, One World Community Health Centers, Inc., Boys Town Pediatrics, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, El Perico newspaper, Nebraska Health and Human Services, Douglas County Health Department, Consulate of Mexico, Radio Lobo and Alegent Health.