Leslie Dunham, Laura Niman, Dr. Stacy Cooley, Dr. Kirk Miller, Jessica Spotts and Alie McKay take a break to record the event.
Members of Oregon State University’s Shelter Medicine Club traveled to Portland on Sunday, March 6, to team up with students from Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in providing free health care to uninsured families in the greater Portland area. The Health Screening Fair, put on annually by OHSU, is an event that corresponds with “Cover the Uninsured” week.
“Cover the Uninsured” week is a nationally recognized, student-led event that is meant to increase awareness and bring people together to give health care services to uninsured people in the community. The Health Screening Fair, OHSU’s contribution to “Cover the Uninsured” week, included over 140 pharmacy, medical, and dental students, who provided vaccines, general health checks, eye exams, and dental work to uninsured members of the Portland area.
The owner keeps a watchful eye as second-year students Brandon Heikes and Alie McKay examine his dog.
This year, OSU’s Shelter Medicine Club participated in “Cover the Uninsured” week by providing free exams and toenail trims for pets of uninsured families. Due to generous corporate donations, the Shelter Medicine Club was also able to provide routine deworming, ear cleaning, and flea and tick prevention. Clients also received free flea and tick prevention, treats and leashes to take home for their pets. About 30 pets were seen.
This was the first year that the Health Screen Fair included veterinary care. The Shelter Medicine Club was very excited to have the opportunity to participate in the event and looks forward to participating next year. “One goal we have for next year is to be able to offer vaccines and give out spay or neuter vouchers,” says Laura Niman, an officer of the Shelter Medicine Club. Coming soon are other free health clinic events that the Shelter Medicine Club is planning to participate in. The next opportunity to volunteer will be in April. More information will be provided when the date nears.
