Free flu shots and basic physical exams offered at Idaho State University/Ada County Health Screening Sept. 12

BOISE—Free flu shots, basic physical and dental exams, and onsite testing for blood sugar levels and cholesterol are included in free services offered at a community health screening Thursday, Sept. 12,  5-7:30 p.m., at Desert Sage Elementary School, 9325 W. Mossywood Drive. 

The screening is the first of six scheduled at various Treasure Valley locations through spring for adults with no health insurance or limited access to preventive health care. The Idaho Foodbank will provide free boxes of food for participants. 

“Now is the time to protect yourself from the flu. Every year Idaho reports multiple deaths due to the influenza virus. A flu shot not only protects you, but those around you,” said Dr. Glenda Carr, screening organizer and Idaho State University-Meridian clinical assistant pharmacy professor. 

Idaho State University faculty and student clinicians administer the services which include: 

• Blood pressure checks, medication reviews and disease education
• Oral/dental health evaluation and education
• Depression and alcohol screenings and questionnaires
• On-site testing for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, HIV and hepatitis C 
• Hearing and eye screenings
• Nutrition assessments and recommendations
• Health education
• Traumatic brain injury screenings

The Community Health Screening Program began in March 2010 and has screened more than 1,000 adults. Partners are ISU-Meridian, Ada County, the Idaho Foodbank and Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho. 

The full screening process takes about 90 minutes, and patients in immediate need are given appointments at low-cost or free Treasure Valley clinics for additional care. For more information, call 373-1700 or email healthyU@isu.edu. 

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Idaho State University, a Carnegie-classified doctoral high research activity university and teaching institution founded in 1901, attracts students from around the world to its Idaho campuses. At the main campus in Pocatello, and at locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, ISU has nine Colleges, a Graduate School and a Division of Health Sciences that together offer more than 250 certificate and degree programs. More than 12,000 students attend ISU. Idaho State University is the state's designated lead institution in health professions.