Tennessee State University News April 19, 2016 Community Health Fair at TSU to Focus on Obesity, HIV and Poor Health Choices A recent study shows Tennessee faces a serious health crisis that stems mostly from unhealthy choices. For the last 20 years, the state has ranked among the worst in the nation when it comes to health outcomes, according to the report by America's Health Rankings<http://www.americashealthrankings.org/reports/annual>. Obesity, HIV, and poor health management, or the lack of it, are the biggest issues. Those problems and others will be addressed April 22 at Tennessee State University's Community Health and Wellness Fair in Kean Hall on the main campus. TSU is partnering with Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program<http://vanderbilthealth.com/HIV-vaccine-program/> and the DP Thomas Foundation for Obesity<http://www.dpthomas.org/> for the outreach event that will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public. "This is really an opportunity for TSU to serve out its mission statement in helping to serve the community," said Kelli Sharpe, Assist Vice President for Public Relations and Communications at TSU. "It is also an opportunity for the community to know that we do have professional health education and services on campus, not just for students and faculty, but for the community as well." The fair will provide information on weight loss management, nutrition, and HIV, as well as fitness demonstrations and other health screenings, including hypertension, glucose, and cholesterol. A dental hygiene component will include oral examinations, dental cleanings, and oral health education. Walretta Chandler, Lead Nurse of TSU Student Health Center, checks the temperature of a student.. Student Health Services will also participate in the wellness fair. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations) Students, faculty and staff of TSU's Student Health Services, the Department of Dental Hygiene, and the School of Nursing along with staff from the TSU Student Health Center will play a major role in the fair. Vic Sorrell, Community Engagement Coordinator of the Vanderbilt Medical Center HIV Vaccine Program, said the fair is very timely and needed. "Because HIV incidence is on the rise in communities with limited access to quality healthcare, our program's message and mission is certainly in alignment with the goals and values of this event and its organizers," Sorrell said. The DP Thomas Foundation is a longtime promoter of healthy living as a way to combat obesity and its negative effect on society. Experts from the foundation are expected to emphasize ways to help citizens achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle. "We are extremely excited about this opportunity to serve the Nashville community," said Lalita Hodge, coordinator of the DP Thomas Foundation. "We at the DP Thomas Foundation truly believe that a healthy community is a wealthy community. Providing information and combining our community resources is the best way to achieve this goal." TSU students, from nursing, dental hygiene to professional education, are also excited about participating in the fair and to give back to the community. Starr Winbush, a freshman nursing major, looks forward to the hands-on help she and her fellow students will provide. "Going into the nursing field, I think it is very important to be able to talk to people and communicate with them about their needs," Winbush said. "Helping people, that's the main part, and I look forward to the opportunity to do that." Chelsea Nash, a junior Biology major, added: "Many people do not have insurance, and for them this may be the only way they can get the care they need. So I am really proud to see my school reaching out to the community." Abraham Osareme Simmons, a senior Dental Hygiene major, said community service was part of the reason why he entered the program. "I like to touch lives that are in need; that is very important to me," said Simmons, who graduates in May. "That's what inspired me to matriculate to the dental hygiene program. It is rewarding to see people feel good about themselves because of what you have done to make their lives better." Dr. Winda Wilbert, interim executive director of the TSU School of Nursing, said "community service is an expectation for our students." "That's in fact one of the core requirements for our baccalaureate program," Wilbert said. "So when we are out there with them, it's not just a matter of field experience, they are fulfilling their requirements." Walretta Chandler is lead nurse at the TSU Student Health Center and looks forward to being involved in what she believes a very important community outreach event. "As a part of this community, I am painfully aware of the health disparity of this area," she said. "This fair will give us an opportunity to help people in our community who have not had the opportunity to have a screening, which would let them know basic things about their health." Lunch will be available for the first 200 people along with door prizes. The Gentry Complex is the designated parking area for the general public. Shuttle services will be provided to transport individuals to Kean Hall. Please call 615-963-5331 for more information. SANDRA M. 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