The University of Georgia (UGA) recently hosted the second Normaltown Community Health Fair at its Health Sciences Campus, bringing together students and faculty from several university colleges. The event aimed to promote community health at the start of cold and flu season.
Representatives from the College of Public Health, Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, School of Medicine, and College of Pharmacy participated in organizing the fair. Attendees received nutrition information, engaged in family-friendly activities, and were offered free flu shots.
“It was an excellent event! More than I expected from a health fair,” said Leslye Queen, an Athens resident. “There was a lot of helpful information about healthy living plus interesting activities. And I got my flu shot.”
Activities at the fair included reaction time tests by the kinesiology department and Veggie Meter readings provided by the College of Public Health to assess fruit and vegetable intake. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia offered gardening tips, while medical partnership students demonstrated heart and lung sounds.
Marsha Davis, dean of the College of Public Health, said: “This event is a great opportunity for our students to not only connect with the community but connect with their peers across health professions. Our students can all learn so much from each other, and these partnerships are what help us strengthen our communities and build a healthier Georgia.”
Local pharmacist Kevin Florence, owner of Add Drug and UGA alumnus, administered free flu shots during the event. He noted: “This is a good opportunity to get all the health care related programs together. Professionals all intersect at one point, but not a lot of things bring students together this early on. When the School of Medicine is here, I’m sure there will be more opportunities there for students to connect as well. The more they can interact and work together, the better health care you’ll receive.”
As UGA’s School of Medicine continues its development, faculty and staff are involved in several local initiatives such as leading the Clarke Middle Health Clinic and Athens Free Clinic.
“One of our essential missions at the School of Medicine is to advance health in Georgia and beyond, and that starts right here in Athens,” said Shelley Nuss, founding dean of the School of Medicine and dean of the Medical Partnership. “The Normaltown Community Health Fair is just one example of how our campus will remain a steadfast and trusted health care partner to serve our patients and communities as we address Georgia’s unmet health needs.”
