Health Fair showcases numerous resources available to students

The IU Health Center transformed Indiana Memorial Union’s Alumni Hall on Wednesday into an unexpected location for students to receive free HIV testing, condoms and five-minute massages.

The IU Health Center held its 36th annual Health Fair with more than 30 community organizations and health center departments represented. Organizers estimated about 500 students attended throughout the day.

“We’re so excited to showcase to students all the services and resources available to them,” said Cathlene Hansen, director of Health and Wellness Education at the IU Health Center.

Booths and tables were set up to provide information to students on a variety of subjects including healthy dieting, stress management, sexual assault prevention, STDs, tobacco and alcohol.

Several health services were provided to students including free influenza vaccination shots, free mood screenings, free hearing screenings and free vision screenings.

Nurse practitioners Cathy Garber and Mary Lou Nierzwicki represented the IU Health Center’s Women’s Clinic to promote women’s general health and safer sex behaviors.

Their booth provided informational pamphlets, Hershey’s kisses and free condoms. Both nurses were also on hand to answer student questions and encourage students to utilize this service in the future.

“They are accessible and have a certain warmth about educating,” Hansen said. “To them, no question is scary or odd. They have pretty much heard them all.”

Jan Hayes, of the Health and Wellness department of the IU Health Center, performed more than 50 free five-minute massages to students.

“Massages are a great luxury we provide students,” Hayes said. “They help you focus and are great for your immune system and circulation.”

Junior Joseph Overby attended the event after seeing fliers posted around the IMU promising free food and free services to students. He said he was impressed by the number of services offered and the organization of the event.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Overby said. “There’s a lot of great groups here that benefit the community.”

Senior Shyra Collins attended the Health Fair for the second year in a row. She said as a public health major, it is important for her to stay updated on current health information and technologies. She found the health fair interesting and informative.

“It’s great. I’ve learned so much.” Collins said. “I would recommend for students to come back next year.”