Lessons from a Free Health Fair Organized by Students for the Underserved Population in the Post-Pandemic Era.

Abstract

Winston-Salem, North Carolina is one of the poorest cities in the state, with a city-wide poverty rate of 20.6%. Poverty rates in the neighborhoods located to the east and south of Wake Forest University School of Medicine continue to rise over the years. Many residents are uninsured or underinsured and don't have a primary care provider. Share the Health Fair (STHF) is an annual, one-day student run event that provides free health screenings to the Winston-Salem area community, regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status. STHF was paused for 2 years because of the pandemic and restarted in 2022. Screenings offered include core health screenings, STI, glucose and cholesterol tests, dermatology, pulmonology, vision, pap smears, and dental. Survey data from STHF attendees in 2022 and 2023 were collected. The lack of healthcare maintenance exacerbated by the pandemic has led to an increased attendance at STHF. The demographics changed since before the pandemic- increasing to 90% Hispanic or Latino attendees in 2023, with 78% of the attendees being uninsured and 82% making less than $30,000 a year. Dental and vision screenings remain the most sought-after free services among the attendees.