Hearts to Nourish Hope in Riverdale, GA hosts SAI Health Fair

By Mahadev Desai
Pics.by Mahadev Desai and Phil Williams.

The 35th Sai Health Fair in coordination with Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) and strongly supported by physicians, health care professionals and volunteers was held at Hearts to Nourish Hope, in Riverdale, GA on Saturday, October 1, 2016. The SAI Health Fair was organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and also to promote his and Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophies of Non-violence, community service and Social justice.

The Health Fair was in the spacious and well lighted halls and rooms with neatly laid out tables and comfortable seating for the attendees. People of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta were treated with courtesy and cheerfulness when they arrived to avail themselves of the free consultancy services provided by over 16 dedicated physicians representing over ten specialties

EKGs and Dietician services and Breast Cancer Awareness education with free appointment for a free mammogram was facilitated by Southern Regional Hospital,Riverdale,GA.,and colon cancer awareness education by Southern Gastroenterologist Group.
Cost-effective Basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of blood tests with HBA1c were carried out at a nominal fee of $30. The lab work was provided by SYMED LLC in Tucker (via Quest Labs.). It is noteworthy that the results of the blood work are mailed within one week! The test results help to identify some life threatening results which are immediately notified to the participants.
Dr.Shital Gaitonde, Ph.D, Georgia State University, conducted the Georgia Psychological Association's Diversity Council and the Public Education Psychological Clinic.
It was heartening to see participation of Emory Research students in the Sai Health Fair. Emory Dermatology(skin) Research participants were Assistant Prof. Seema Kini,and residents Kevin Luk and Alix Pijeaux,whereas Emory ENT Research residents DanielleDe Paro and Lucy Shi participated in oral cancer screening.

Dr.Sridhar Krishnamurthy, Professor, Auburn University, Alabama carried out audio and dental screenings.
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the participants by Sai Health Fair, and lunch to all the doctors, technicians and volunteers by the Hearts to Nourish Hope. SAI Health Fair publicity and coverage was provided by Atlanta’s digital and media, Khabar, NRIPULSE, Atlantadunia, India Tribune and Rashtradarpan. Phil Williams and Mahadev Desai helped with photography and video services.
 

Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) volunteers are dedicated to serve the people in our community whenever and whichever possible way. Sai Health Inc. and GINA are strong partners in this commitment. Lilly Anickat, the president of GINA dedicates her time to community services to her maximum capacity and motivates others to do the same. Vidya Kanagaraj, Vani Manohar and Scicily Joseph along with other volunteers served in the health fair with so much passion and enthusiasm. GINA volunteers triaged all attendees of health fair and provided stroke prevention education and medication counseling. GINA nurses explained the risk factors and warning signs of stroke, and the importance of seeking immediate medical help to reduce complications of Stroke. Educational materials, both in English and Spanish, wallet cards, and magnet cards were provided. GINA members utilized this event to network with other organizations in the community. GINA volunteers treated every person with respect, answered all their questions, and provided resources and tips for healthy living.

“This type of health fairs definitely help to prevent diseases, and improve health and quality of life of people. GINA will continue to contribute to improve health outcomes in the community” said Lilly Anickat, President of GINA.
Expressing its laudatory comments, the Hearts to Nourish Hope said,” The SAI Health Fair was a great opportunity for the community. Unlike most health fairs, participants were able to actually see doctors, rather than just gain information about products and services.Southern Regional Hospital has a serious commitment to early detection of breast cancer in the community and those who are low income. They provide free mammograms to those who do not have insurance and/or income qualify. The SAI Health Fair was supported by Clayton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jeffrey Turner who stopped by to speak with the attendees and doctors who participated in the event.There were volunteers on hand from businesses in the community such as Tindall Corporation, a construction company located in Clayton County who provided Spanish to English translators.SAI Health Fair participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to get blood screenings for only $30. Some, who had private insurance through employment or otherwise, said that even with their insurance bloodwork cost so much more. There were attendees who came as far as Covington because of the inexpensive cost of the tests. They expressed that the drive was absolutely worth it.SAI partnered with Hearts to Nourish Hope, a community resource center in Clayton County, to host the health fair. Attendees were able to find out what services Hearts provided and had the opportunity to register for services that the center provided that applied to them such as food pantry assistance and career services.”

Dr. Sujatha Reddy profusely thanked Hearts to Nourish Hope’s Director Deborah Anglin, for providing accommodation at the Hearts to Nourish Hope. She further thanked Emory School of Medicine’s research students, Sangisetty Charitable Organization, the team of physicians, nurses, and dedicated volunteers who together helped make the SAI Health Fair a big success.