SAI Health Fair Complimented by Emergent Testing’s laudable Covid -Testing
 

By Mahadev Desai

The 42nd Sai Health Fair in coordination with Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) was hosted at the Hindu Temple, Riverdale, Georgia, on Saturday, September 28 2019. But due to Covid, the 43rd Sai Health Fair could not be organized till Saturday, October 23, 2021. 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 philosophy of Non-violence, community service and social justice. It was hosted by the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, GA.

This time, an additional vital community health service was provided at the Hindu Temple. On-site RT-PCR Covid -19 Testing was provided by Emergent testing.

Despite the cold weather and festive month,over seventy people attended the Health Fair for blood tests and also availed themselves of the free consultancy in by committed, dedicated and widely respected, experienced physicians Dr. Sujatha Reddy, Dr. Syamala Erramilli, and Dr. Tulasi Vanapalli, supported by courteous service-oriented nurses Vani Manoharan, Ranjitha Bommakanti and Suvetha Balasubramanian and volunteers, Madhu Siddagunta, Dr. Haritha Katamreddy; and her daughter Rhea, who is a student at Lambert High School in Suwanee, GA.

Over forty cost–effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of blood tests with HBA1c were carried out at a nominal fee of $30 per test. The lab work was provided by Sy Med Clinic, Tucker,GA. It is noteworthy that the results of the blood work were mailed within ten days with instructions to be followed at the free clinics as mentioned in the covered letter. The test results helped identify some life-threatening results which were immediately notified to the participants.

Dr. Tulasi Vanapalli is Chair of the Community Services at the Hindu Temple, Riverdale, GA. Dr. Tulasi is a soft spoken, modest physician who has rendered selfless services at many previous Sai Health Fairs. Dr. Tulasi Vanapalli is also known for her enthusiasm, dedication and love for yoga. She provides consultancy services in Internal Medicine at the Health Fairs.

Dr Syamala Erramilli has specialized in internal medicine and has attended many Sai Health Fairs. She is also an active member and on BOT of Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

Vani Manoharan RN has also been a long serving sincere volunteer at Sai Health Fairs. She has finished her doctorate in Nursing.She is a Nurse working at Emory Healthcare, working in a research unit, clinical research, and assisting in different clinical trials. Vani is also an Executive member of Georgia Indian Nurses Association, (GINA) and Treasurer of GINA.

Suvetha Balasubramanian RN works in Emory HealthCare, and is also a members of GINA. Vani and Suwetha both helped to draw the blood samples and gave health education to the participants regarding diabetes mellitus, and stroke education. GINA has coordinated with many Sai Health Fairs and rendered sterling medical and volunteering services.

Rajitha Bommakanti, RN is a faith-based holistic coach and also a culinary coach at ' Healthy You Lifestyle Center, LLC’. provided information and advice on holistic weight loss, nutrition, exercise, stress management through meditation etc.

Madhu Siddagunta has attended many Sai Health Fairs before and carried out Bone Density Tests.

Dr. Sujatha Reddy is the Founder/ Director of the Sai Health Fair Organization, a non-profit entity. Sai Health Fairs are not only vehicles of social service and welfare, but a shining example of outreach of medical services to the needy and the neglected. Dr. Sujatha effusively

thanked all the Doctors, nurses, technicians, and volunteers for their tireless efforts, for making the Health Fair event a grand success. “I’m glad to see so many people, from all walks of life, come to avail the opportunity to get free screenings & consultations with medical specialists. We have been hosting Health Fairs for a long time in different venues, and feel proud in serving the community. I also wish to thank the Hindu Temple President Prashanthi Asireddy for her presence and in graciously allowing us accommodation to hold this SAI Health Fair. I also wish to thank emergent testing for providing Covid-19 testing at the Hindu Temple. It is gratifying to know that this service will be done here every Saturday.To book an appointment for Covid-19 testing, please visit http://hindutempleatltesting.dragonflyphd.com