Fair’s focus is low-cost health care

The cost of health care in the United States prevents many people from getting the care they need. Sinclair’s Multicultural Health Fair on April 11 will offer free information to help students maintain their own health and gain access to low-cost services.
The event, sponsored by Student Leadership Association (SLA), Brite-Signal Alliance and the Diversity Office, will bring variety of speakers, organizations and performers to the basement of Building 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Some of the organizations present will be the Kettering Health Centers, the AIDS Resource Center, the Community Blood Center, Planned Parenthood and the Small Smiles Dental Clinic.
“A lot of our students don’t have insurance,” said Karen Williams , advisor for SLA. “The people we do have here, they either go by your income or there’s some kind of fee scale where it’s either free or if you have some kind of assistance they’ll work with you.”
The event, which has been held annually for three years, was inspired by a health fair organized by Sinclair’s Human Resources for faculty and staff.
“Students will gain a necessary understanding of how important health is, and I think they’ll learn how to go to these places and get the help that they need,” said Miesha Russell, student event coordinator for SLA. “The multicultural aspect is that health is not just for one set of people, it’s for everyone, and all these places are willing to help.”
The event will feature performances by Sinclair’s Zumba Club, Jukado Club and Capoeria Club and talks by speakers from Premier Health Services, Life Connections and Sinclair’s Psychology Department.
The keynote speaker for the fair will be Dr. Gary LeRoy, an associate professor of Family Medicine at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and associate dean of student affairs and admissions. LeRoy will be speaking about health issues facing minority populations and “simple, inexpensive ways to stay healthy,” he said.
“You need to start at your age, so when you reach my age you’re not all broken down and decrepit,” said LeRoy. “Come to [the event] with lots of questions and an open mind and be read to participate.”