The WVU Student Nurses Association recently offered their support at the Health Science Technology Academy (HSTA) Alumni Association's health fair, which was open to WVU students, faculty and staff, as well as the community.
Hosted April 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the WVU Recreation Center, multiple organizations offered health and wellness services and education about community resources. The SNA offered sexually transmitted infection (STI) education.
"Our goal was to provide an inclusive event where people can enjoy the festivities while receiving services and information that will be helpful to their personal health and wellness," shared Ateria Walker, a School of Nursing student and HSTA alum. "This opportunity allowed me to be of service to my community."
She said some of the prevalent health problems seen within the community include obesity, sexually transmitted infections, and other health issues.
"I was glad I could help organize and participate in an event to provide additional education to our community members so that they could learn about resources and participate in activities to improve their overall health," Walker said.
The key members from the Student Nurses Association who helped with our tabling section of the event included SNA President, Jenna Wermers; Executive Board Member, Catherine Myers; member Andrew Johnson; and faculty member, Dr. Brad Phillips.
Some of the other participating organizations included WVU Minorities Association of Pre-Healthcare Students (MAPS), WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Stroke Center, the Mon County Health Department, WVU Medicine – Family Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s Transport Team, Results WV, DEI Cross Cutting Programs, Project REACH, WVU Academy of Student Pharmacists, etc.
The event also featured a Community Health & Wellness 5K. Proceeds from the run will be used to support scholarships for students in Health Sciences and STEM majors at WVU.
The event sponsor, the Health Sciences Technology Academy (HSTA) is a program that was developed to help support and mentor underrepresented high school students in WV and help their transition to health sciences and STEM degree college programs.
