HEALTH FAIRS

 

For a week at a time, SHC would set up Health Fairs in rural communities, and eventually in underserved urban neighborhoods.  What was the purpose? The answer depends on who you ask.  For some, it was a political organizing tool, vehicle for empowering the disempowered.  For others, it was a means to the more specific end of improving access to health care. Generally, the health fair was seen as a precursor for setting up community run clinics.  The strategic approach was consistent throughout the years of SHC work in the rural south.

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The health fair was a travelling show.  It was organized and run by students.  Student nurses and physicians with (occasional) oversight by licensed providers conducted comprehensive exams, for free, for anyone who showed up.  The students were relentless and creative in finding affordable ways to put on the fairs.  Some funds were recruited from foundations every year.  The Tennessee Valley Association (TVA) loaned out a van for the first few summers, outfitted with lab equipment and exam rooms.  Often the Fair took place in a school or community center.  Lab tests included hematocrits, urine screens, stool culture for parasites, throat cultures.   Anyone found to have abnormal results or uncertain findings got a home visit in the following weeks, with guidance and assistance on followup.   

 

The Health Fair team moved on to a new community at the end of each week.  At the end of the summer, most students returned to school.  A handful stayed behind, drawn to the followup work, digging into long term work.