ISU-Meridian and Ada County to provide dental evaluations, physical exams and flu shots for uninsured at Oct. 4 community health screening

Uninsured and in need of health services?

Attend a free community health screening, Thursday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 707 W. Fort Street, Boise.  Faculty and student clinicians from the Idaho State University-Meridian Health Science Center will conduct the screenings. Services include:

●      Basic physical exams, blood pressure checks, foot exams and medication reviews

●      Dental evaluations

●      Hearing, depression and alcohol screenings and questionnaires

●      On-site testing for blood sugar levels and HIV status

●      Flu shots

●      Mammogram referrals

●      Nutrition assessment and recommendations

●      Health education

Since March 2010, ISU-Meridian, Ada County, Central District Health, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare have partnered to offer the screenings to uninsured Ada County adults.  To date, more than 400 adults have participated in more than a dozen screenings.

Participants are referred to community clinics and health-care providers for additional treatment if necessary, said clinic co-director and ISU-Meridian pharmacy assistant professor Glenda Carr.

"These screenings promote prevention and personal responsibility by helping to identify and address health care problems before they end up requiring costly ER visits," said Ada County Commissioner Sharon Ullman. "By detecting health challenges early, educating clients on these issues, and making appropriate referrals, we are helping participants manage their health, saving money for taxpayers, and providing a valuable hands-on educational opportunity to local students."

ISU-Meridian Academic Dean Bessie Katsilometes said the screenings represent "a unique partnership between the University, county government, state agencies,  area health care providers and CHS participants through the assessment and referral process for enhanced public health."

The full screening process takes about an hour.  No appointment is necessary. Valley Ride bus stops are nearby. For more information, call 373-1700.

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Media Contacts:  Jessica Donald, Communications Specialist, Ada County, 287-6998  

                            Chris Gabettas, Public Information Specialist, ISU-Meridian, 373-1806