On September 24, 2024, the NEIU Health Fair, organized by Student Health Services, focused on promoting wellness through various health topics including nutrition, mental health, and preventative care. Participating organizations such as Sarah’s Inn and TPAN provided resources and support. Attendees accessed free health screenings and awareness on STIs. Despite challenges, the event emphasized the importance of seeking help and available health resources for students.
On September 24, 2024, NEIU’s Student Health Services (SHS) hosted its biannual health fair, dedicated to fostering wellness in its community. This vibrant event spanned a range of health topics such as nutrition, fitness, mental health, and preventative care, engaging students and staff alike in meaningful discussions about well-being. Many local organizations set up informative kiosks at the fair. Sarah’s Inn offered resources for families impacted by domestic violence. The YWCA Metropolitan Chicago shared their support services, including job training and counseling for women and families facing violence. Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) addressed the needs of individuals affected by HIV, while The Friendship Center tackled food insecurity by providing essential resources. Hamdard Health Alliance connected attendees with public benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP, among others. Each group provided valuable pamphlets and resources to promote awareness. Attendees had access to free health tools, including COVID home test kits and various health screenings, notably for STIs. According to the CDC, STI cases escalated alarmingly, emphasizing the fair’s significance in raising awareness and offering educational support. Despite the supportive environment, students often felt intimidated discussing personal health challenges. Aamir Waudiwala, an alumnus, remarked on the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention, shedding light on the necessity of compassionate conversations. Health Education Coordinator Aidon Perera noted the varying mental health issues students face and emphasized the fair’s role in introducing vital resources. “Different mental health challenges manifest in substance abuse or unhealthy coping methods,” he stated, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare. Representatives at the fair radiated passion and patience while helping patrons navigate their services. Jordan Baker from TPAN shared his journey into health advocacy, driven by a lack of mentorship and resources he faced in his youth. Both Jordan and his partner Amber Nacyk highlighted the significance of intersectionality in healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities. “The intersections of marginalized groups and sexual health issues are completely interlinked,” Nacyk explained, pointing to the nuanced challenges faced by these populations. Perera urged students to recognize they are not alone, emphasizing the importance of seeking out resources and support. He expressed hope that students would feel motivated to pursue help in their wellness journeys, affirming that assistance is available. Despite the ongoing efforts, Perera acknowledged the hurdles in student access to health insurance and basic necessities. While the health fair provides a vital connection to resources, the process of obtaining benefits can still be complex and overwhelming. SHS’s unwavering dedication to dismantling barriers to wellness is evident in their year-round services. The health fairs may occur only twice a year, but the message remains: resources are always at hand for students navigating the complexities of college life. “Help is out there and accessible,” Perera assured attendees.
The NEIU Health Fair serves as a crucial event for promoting health and wellness in the university community. It addresses a variety of health concerns, offering information and resources to improve mental and physical well-being. With participation from local organizations, the fair not only raises awareness of essential health topics but also provides direct access to valuable services, creating a supportive environment for students and staff.
In essence, the NEIU Health Fair is a beacon of support for the university community, emphasizing the need for accessible health resources and open conversations about wellness. It addresses diverse health topics, from nutrition to mental health, highlighting the collaborative efforts of organizations to provide crucial services. Despite some challenges, the fair continually strives to remove barriers to student wellness, affirming that help is always available and attainable.
Original Source: neiuindependent.org
