Free flu shots and traumatic brain injury screenings offered at ISU/Ada County Health Screening Oct. 16

Flu shots and screenings for traumatic brain injury are among the free services offered at a community health screening Thursday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2920 Cassia St., in Boise.

The screening is the second of six scheduled at various Treasure Valley locations through March for adults with no insurance or limited access to preventive health care.

“Now is the time of year to get immunized against the flu. An immunization not only protects yourself, but can help others from getting the flu, especially if you are around the young, the elderly or people with chronic health conditions,” said Dr. Glenda Carr, screening co-director and Idaho State University-Meridian clinical assistant pharmacy professor.

ISU-Meridian faculty and student clinicians will administer the services which also include:

Blood pressure checks, medication reviews and disease education

● Dental evaluations

● Depression and alcohol screenings and questionnaires

● On-site testing for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, HIV and hepatitis C

● Hearing and eye screenings

● Nutrition assessment and recommendations

● Health education

The traumatic brain injury screenings are new this year, thanks to federal funding awarded to ISU’s Institute of Rural Health. IRH researcher Russell Spearman notes more than 32,000 Idahoans are living with a severe traumatic brain injury sustained in car crashes, military combat or playing sports.

The free Community Health Screening Program began in March 2010 through a partnership with ISU-Meridian, Ada County, Central District Health, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

The full screening process takes about 90 minutes, and patients in immediate need are given appointments at low-cost Treasure Valley clinics for additional care.

You don’t have to make an appointment to attend the screening. Valley Ride bus stops are nearby. For more information, call 373-1700 or email healthyU@isu.edu.