UIC Community Health and Wellness Fair Brings Care and Connection to the Community
Introduction
On Saturday, October 11th, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department of Medicine (DOM), hosted a Community Health and Wellness Fair, bringing together a powerful coalition of campus groups led by staff, faculty, residents and students, and community partners to provide health screenings and promote holistic health and wellness. UIC's beloved mascot, Sparky, joined the celebration, energizing the crowd and symbolizing UIC’s commitment to community engagement.
The DOM partnered with Apostolic Faith Church, located in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, to host the wellness fair. In addition, UIC’s Black Cultural Center, Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter, Latino Medical Association (LMSA) chapter, the College of Dentistry, Division of Endocrinology, Community Intervention Outreach Projects (COIP), University of Illinois Community Clinic Network (UCCN, ID Division), the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science (CDIS), and IMAGE Study offered a wide range of free health services and information, including screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, HIV, diabetes, dental health, and colon cancer screening information through Cologuard.
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center offered additional resources to connect veterans to their programs. While the UIC Urban Health Early Outreach Program and I Am Able Foundation exposed youth in attendance to future opportunities in health care career pathways. Yoga, mindfulness, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education helped participants learn healthy habits, while the Healthy Home exhibit showed how to create safe and emotional well-being living environments.
The fair is one of several programs provided through the Department of Medicine (DOM) Advancing Racial Equity Award for its Careers and Mentorship in Medicine Program (CAMMP), a vibrant example of UIC’s dedication to public health, education, and empowering the community through partnership, prevention, and care.