Huge Turnout for the Health Fair of The Hindu Temple of Atlanta (HTA)

By Mahadev Desai.
Pics by: 3rd I Photography

The Hindu Temple of Atlanta is the beacon of hope for Hindus in GA with a history of 35 years of service to the residents of GA and nearby states. HTA is providing various religious and charitable services to the community including health care camps and homes for the poor by working with the Habitat for Humanity. Under the leadership of HTA President Aravind Goli, Community Services Chair Dr Sujatha Reddy, and the Executive Committee Team (Ravi Kari Vice President, Sairam Surapaneni Secretary, Ravi Chandar Joint Secretary, Prashanthi Asireddy President 2021-22, Treasurer Padma Koganti, and Srikanth Kari the Technology Services Committee Chair) these Charity events are successfully conducted on a grand scale.

The Hindu Temple of Atlanta hosted the 46th Sai Health Fair at the Hindu Temple, Riverdale, Georgia, on Saturday, September 7, and September 14, 2024, respectively.

Over 300 people attended the Health Fair for blood tests on Saturday, September 7, and availed themselves of the free consultancy by 17 committed, dedicated and widely respected, experienced physicians from 11 specialties, and nurses, assisted by over 30 volunteers, on Saturday September 14.
 

160 people registered online for comprehensive blood tests at a nominal fee of $15, which were provided by Health Soft USA, under Kintu Shah and five phlebotomists. Patients with abnormal test results were advised to take immediate action to contact their health care professionals. 40 flu shots were provided by Walgreens Dishank Patel.

The GAPI president, Cardiologist Dr. Lalitha Medepalli; Dr. Devendra R. Koganti; provided heart-related consultations. Other specialists who provided helpful consultations were internists Dr. Tulasi Vanapalli, Dr Jyothi Manaker, Dr. Uday Tata, and Dr. Shyla Prabhakar; endocrinologist Dr. Subramanyam Naidu and Dr Ramya Srinivasan; gynecologist Dr. Laxman Ramani; gastroenterologist Dr. Kavitha Gopal orthopedics Dr. Natarajan; dentistry specialist Dr. Supriti Balyan; and ophthalmologists Dr. Indira Menon and Ravali Gummi, ENT Dr, Rao Nadig, psychiatry Dr. Rohini Reddy.
Over 35 EKGs were carried out by Brianna Lewis - Emory healthcare. Over 14 audio screenings were done by Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy of Auburn University in Alabama.

More than 33 bone-density tests were performed by Madhu Siddagunta, under the supervision of Dr. Sujatha Reddy. About 18 were abnormal (7 Osteoporosis and 11 osteopenia, Uma Kaila helped with the Bone Marrow registry.
Homeopathy consultation was provided by Madhavi Kasam. Dr. Trushna Rao Nadig and Dr. Sudhanva Char, (author of Yoga Vade Mecum), who both are long time practitioners and instructors of yoga, enthusiastically conducted yoga sessions for the visitors.

It was heartening to see the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) also joining this endeavor of HTA along with Sai Health Fair in reaching out to the community. The current GAPI President Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, commented, “I thank the HTA and Dr. Sujatha Reddy for leading the Health Fair. Our community is fortunate to have such Charitable institutions like the HTA and the dedicated physicians and volunteers. This year’s two-day event, of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, provided crucial health services and allowed student volunteers to shadow physicians and learn hands-on skills such as triage, lab processing, EKGs, and more. Events like these are vital in promoting health awareness and access to care, while also fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Thank you to all who made this possible!"
Tea, variety of Juices and drinks were provided to all the participants and lunch to all doctors, nurses, technicians, and volunteers by the HTA.

Health and wellness lifestyle coach and nutritionist, Rajitha. who is current President of GINA commented “On behalf of the Georgia Indian Nurses Association, I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for inviting us to participate in the health fair of HTA organized by Sai Health Fair. It was a wonderful opportunity for our team to connect with the community and contribute to the promotion of health and wellness. HTA and Sujatha Reddy’s commitment to providing a platform for essential healthcare services is truly commendable, and we are grateful to have been a part of this event. The positive impact of the fair on attendees was evident, and it was a privilege to offer our support in delivering care and information. We look forward to future collaborations and are excited about the possibilities of continuing our partnership to further advance the health of our communities.”
HTA Executive team commented, “HTA supports the Health fairs organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy, offers free consultations aimed at promoting preventive care and community wellness. Participants have access to free consultations with specialists in, along with screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, bone density and EKG. The current fair, which served over 300 people, a great success, by fostering health awareness and offering valuable medical services to the local community.”

Photo by Srikanth Kari

The Hindu Temple of Atlanta thanked GINA, all the Doctors, nurses, technicians, and volunteers for their tireless efforts, for making the Health Fair event a grand success. “We are glad to see so many people, from all walks of life, come to avail the opportunity to get free screenings and consultations with medical specialists. The Hindu Temple of Atlanta has been hosting Sai Health Fairs for a long time. HTA feels proud in serving the community. HTA and Dr Sujatha Reddy thank the media outlets for the event publicity and coverage and Raghuram Valusani for photography.