More than 10 free screenings, tests and other health-related services will be available to the public this Saturday, Nov. 12, at the 22nd annual Share the Health Fair, sponsored by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Northwest Area Health Education Center.
The free event –which has been paused the past two years due to the pandemic – will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wake Forest Baptist’s Downtown Health Plaza, located at 1200 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Winston-Salem. The event is open to all adults regardless of insurance coverage, income level or immigration status.
Interested individuals can pre-register online or walk-in the day of the event. Spanish-language interpreters will be available.
A variety of vaccinations and screenings will be offered, including:
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
- Sexually transmitted infection screening
- Glucose and cholesterol testing
- Bone density screening
- Glaucoma and vision testing
- Lung function testing
- Mental health and memory screenings
- Skin screenings
- Strength and balance testing
- Car seat safety checks
A comprehensive team of family medicine physicians and specialists will be present along with medical students, physician assistant students, technicians and other health care professionals. Most test and screening results will be immediately provided to the participants as well as educational materials to help individuals understand what results mean. Participants will also be provided the option to discuss any abnormal findings or other health concerns with one of the volunteer Wake Forest Baptist physicians on-site.
For those who require follow-up care, referrals will be provided to either the Downtown Health Plaza or other free, local community organizations and clinics that provide the needed services on a regular basis.
“As medical students, we’re honored to educate fair participants and the community about lifestyle changes they can make and resources they can utilize to improve their health,” said Pinyu Chen, second-year medical student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “For some attendees, this is the only time they’re able to see someone for a health checkup, and we feel grateful for the opportunity to hold this impactful event that affects the very community in which we live and study.”
Representatives from HealthCare Access and Legal Aid of North Carolina will be on-site to provide consultations regarding health insurance and legal resources, living wills and advance health care directives. Participants will also receive a goody bag with essential items, such as toothbrushes, soap and fresh produce.
Media contacts:Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu; Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu