The 25th 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, will be held Saturday, Nov. 8. More than 10 free screenings, tests and other health-related services will be available to the public.
This free event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wake Forest Baptist’s Downtown Health Plaza, located at 1200 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Winston-Salem. The event is open to all adults and children regardless of insurance coverage or income level. There will be several children-focused stations as well as childcare for families who attend.
Interested individuals can walk-in the day of and register at the event. Spanish-language interpreters will be available.
A variety of vaccinations and screenings will be offered, including:
- Bone density screening
- Flu vaccinations
- Glaucoma and vision testing
- Glucose and cholesterol testing
- Lung function testing
- Mental health and memory screenings
- Sexually transmitted infection screening
- Skin screenings
- Strength and balance testing
A comprehensive team of physicians and specialists will be present, along with medical students, PA 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 with the option to discuss any abnormal findings or other health concerns with one of the 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.
"The goal of this community outreach event is to address the needs of populations with limited access to resources and promote healthy lifestyles across generations. This is one small way to give back, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help reach as many community members as we can," said Elsa Katarina Acosta, fourth-year medical student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
There will be representatives on-site to provide consultations regarding health insurance and legal resources, such as living wills and advance health care directives. Participants will also receive a goody bag while supplies last with essential items, such as toothbrushes, soap and fresh produce.
"This fair is about giving back to the very community that has empowered me,” said Maitha Ali, second-year medical student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “It's a reminder of why I chose the path of medicine –– to serve with compassion, to listen with care and to help build healthier futures together."