The annual University Health and Safety Day will offer an array of free health screenings for students, faculty and the general public on Nov. 6.
The health screenings, which will take place in the Hansel E. Tookes Sr. Recreation Center, include substance abuse screenings, stroke screenings and blood glucose screenings.
The health fair will feature more than 30 community partners, including multiple units from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and Capital Regional Medical Center
Last year’s health and safety day served approximately 1,000 people and offered close to 25 different health screenings.
Mildred Brickler, faculty chair for the University Health and Safety Day, has worked the event for the past five years. Brickler said everything people need to know to find out their health status will be available.
“There’s no logical reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of this opportunity,” Brickler said. “If you’re a student here and you have no insurance, you can come and get all of your numbers checked.”
Renee Mowatt, a Florida A&M student, was the student chair for the University Health and Safety Day last year and worked alongside Brickler. Mowatt helped put the event together by planning and organizing the schedule. She said it is important for African-Americans to be educated about health.
“Black people are often left in the dark when it comes to health,” Mowatt said. “We aren’t educated on the issues, or we can’t afford to go to the doctor. This event brings the doctors to us.”
Dieldra Clark, a member of the Simply Marvelous women’s flag football team and aspiring personal trainer, said it is very important for students to know their health status.
“Health and fitness is a very important part of your life,” Clark said. “Take care of your body while you’re young. It will help you when you’re old.”
University Health and Safety Day will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. For more information, call 850-412-5479.