Annual Health Fair Benefits Students and Community

BRTC’s Health Fair, which has been held annually for over twelve years, drew a crowd of over 220 people on April 2, including BRTC faculty, staff, and students, as well as members of the community.

BRTC’s Allied Health Department hosted the event in the RCDC building, with vendors attending from all over Randolph County.  Organizations with booths included the American Cancer Society, MidSouth Health Systems, Caring Hands Hospice, Legacy Hospice, AirEvac, and ProMed Ambulance Service.

Also, Back in Motion Chiropractic, the Randolph County Extension Office, the Randolph County Health Department, Families Inc., Pocahontas Health and Rehab, CustomEyes Vision Care, Five Rivers Medical Center, and East Arkansas Area on Aging.

Each of BRTC’s health-related programs was represented with a booth where students and instructors offered educational materials, hands-on demonstrations, or examinations to visitors.  Joe Chappell, MT/Paramedic instructor, conducted hands-on CPR activities.  The Fire Science department and instructor Alan Haskins displayed information for disaster preparedness.   Phlebotomy students offered blood glucose screens, and the Practical Nursing students took blood pressure readings.  Dietetics students performed BMI checks and presented guides for healthy eating, and Respiratory Care students gave visitors lung function tests.  In addition to viewing demonstrations and receiving tests, guests could also sign up for door prizes.

“The Health Fair is a beneficial gathering for vendors, students, and visitors alike,” said Dana Clay, Health Science Administrative Specialist.  “We would like to thank everyone for coming out and a special thanks to all the vendors who participated.”