Empowered by a commitment to service and a mission to effect healthcare change, on September 16, 2022, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) partnered with United Way to host a health fair for individuals and families in Utah County.
The health fair took place at the South Franklin Community Center, a neighborhood community center in Provo, Utah, that serves a diverse population of families. Many of these families often lack resources, insurance, or other means to receive critical healthcare services.
Faculty and students from RMU academic programs provided healthcare services, while university staff volunteers helped coordinate set up and clean up, as well as provide activities throughout the two-hour event.
Through the combined efforts and supervision of skilled healthcare professionals, volunteers were able to provide a wide variety of healthcare services to fair participants. Services provided by the Doctor of Physical Therapy program included child development screenings, fall prevention assessments, and functional and strength screenings. RMU physician associates provided primary care services including well-child checks, body mass index (BMI) testing, glucose testing, and cholesterol testing. The Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology program administered both developmental and hearing screenings. Faculty representing the recently-announced Doctor of Optometry program provided eye care including eye exams and assessments.
An estimated 200 people, including over 100 children, attended the health fair and received healthcare assessments, testing, information, and recommendations on moving forward. A few patients seen were referred to community clinics for care.
Laura Barragan, the South Franklin Community Center Manager, explained how the health fair impacted “the lives of many people by offering health services to people of low income.”
Because the combined healthcare services offered at the health fair would have required four separate doctor visits: eye doctor, physical therapist, speech therapist, and primary care provider, the financial benefit provided per individual totaled well over $300. With 200 attendees, the total estimated community benefit was $60,000.
Janie Brigman, the Senior Director of Corporate Engagement for United Way of Utah County, stated, “Rocky Mountain University is an incredible partner to United Way’s South Franklin Community Center. Through the leadership of employees and students, RMUoHP provided important health screenings and resources for the South Franklin community families at the health fair. Many of these families would not be able to access these health services without RMUoHP’s free health fair.”
RMU will continue to work with service and community leaders to provide health services to Utah County and beyond.
