Free flu shots, traumatic brain injury screenings offered at ISU/Ada County Health Screening Feb. 19

Free flu shots and screenings for hepatitis C and traumatic brain injury are among services offered at an adult community health screening Thursday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2920 Cassia St., in Boise.

The screening is for people 18 years and older. Appointments are not necessary.

Screening co-director Dr. Glenda Carr reminds adults to immunize against the flu.

“The flu is hitting Idaho hard this year. It is not too late to protect yourself and those around you, especially the elderly or people with chronic health conditions,” said Carr, an ISU-Meridian clinical assistant pharmacy professor.

Other free services 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 and HIV

● Hearing and eye screenings

● Nutrition assessment and recommendations

● Health education

The Centers for Disease Control recommends people born between 1954 and 1965 get screened for hepatitis C, a blood-borne infection that increases a person’s chance of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

The traumatic brain injury screenings are provided through 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 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.

The 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.

For more information, call 373-1700 or email healthyU@isu.edu.