Third Annual Health Fair at A&M-Commerce a Big Success

Texas A&M University-Commerce public health students—in conjunction with Exercise is Medicine® On Campus, Student Health Services and the Department of Nursing—recently hosted the third annual Health Fair on campus.

A large group of college students, faculty and staff posing while displaying the "Lucky Lion" hand symbol.
A&M-Commerce students, faculty and staff joined forces to present the third annual Health Fair on campus. Photo submitted by the A&M-Commerce Department of Health and Human Performance.

More than 30 vendors and 120 attendees created a dynamic and engaging event featuring health education and resources covering topics including mental health, nutrition, sexual health, financial well-being and physical health.

The comprehensive event was a one-stop shop for students with various needs. Campus support services were on hand providing information about academic success resources, food assistance and advocacy services. Vendors including Carter BloodCare, Family Smiles of Commerce, Callie Clinic and the Texas Department of State Health Services provided valuable services such as no-cost HIV and syphilis screenings.

Nursing students provided an additional layer of expertise with demonstrations of various nursing skills and practical tips for maintaining good health on a college budget.

Dr. Elizabeth Wachira, associate professor and program director for the Public Health program, said the event reinforced the collective action required to effectively address and support students' complex health needs.

“The event also underscored the significance of service learning in translating theory into practice, and how this helps our students gain confidence in being the next generation of public health practitioners,” she said.

Event coordinator and undergraduate Public Health student Shelby Newton reflected on the experience as part of her internship project on health promotion.

“Being able to take what I learned in my classes into the real world was really good, and a great learning experience, as well,” she said. “I am happy to hear from attendees who said the event was enjoyable and that they would participate again. Through this feedback, we now know how to improve so that we continue supporting our students and raising awareness of the numerous resources available to support their overall health and academic success.”

Ready to lead public health initiatives and foster healthy communities? Explore the benefits of earning a bachelor's or master's degree in Public Health from A&M-Commerce.