The NEIU Office of Student Health Services hosted the Fall 2024 Student Health Fair, bringing together local health advocacy organizations to promote the well-being of students. The fair featured kiosks that provided information and resources to support students’ physical, mental, and social health. Participants also had access to a variety of services, from free HIV testing to community empowerment resources. More than 50 people, including students, faculty, staff, and community members, attended the fair, which was held on September 24, 2024, in the NEIU Alumni Hall in the Student Union.
Sana Kausar Habiya
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) had a wealth of resources to offer. Their tables focused on public health issues such as vaccinations, breast and cervical cancer screening, COVID-19 prevention, suicide prevention, diabetes prevention, and influenza vaccination awareness. Regarding its commitment to inclusivity, an IDPH representative said, “As long as people belong to this planet, whether they have insurance or not, whether they are from here or not, we will support them.” “I will.”
Neither gender is immune to breast cancer. An IDPH representative said, “Men are also susceptible to breast cancer, so we want them to call and get tested.” Free breast and cervical cancer programs are available for people of all gender identities.
In addition to cancer screenings, IDPH raised awareness about mental health resources, including a 24/7 Suicide Crisis Hotline. “We may not know what people are going through at any stage of their lives,” said an IDPH representative. The IDPH table had a lot to offer at the health fair, including free COVID-19 test kits and many informative brochures about the services IDPH provides.
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Sana Kausar Habiya
Hamdard Health Alliance is a nonprofit health care organization that presents comprehensive health care services specifically for immigrant and low-income communities. “They come to apply for health insurance (and Medicaid). If (their) employment doesn’t offer (insurance), we offer lower rates for people who can’t afford health insurance.” We also provide medical insurance,” said Hamdard, president of the Student Health Fair. They also provided many other resources for students, with tables stocked with useful items such as first aid kits, antibacterial napkins, hand sanitizer, and bags. Offices are located in Addison, Illinois and Rogers Park, Chicago. The organization also plans to open a branch in Skokie, Illinois.
Graduate student Hiba Salman represented NEIU Campus Recreation at the health fair. Mr. Salman demonstrated the various fitness opportunities offered this semester at Campus Recreation, including weekly fitness classes such as Zumba, yoga and stretching that are free to NEIU students. Community members can also join by purchasing memberships at a very low cost. When asked about her mission, Salman replied: “Exercise is essential to staying healthy and is a free and easy way to stay healthy. My goal is to emphasize the need to incorporate fitness into daily life. Regular physical activity helps students stay focused, relax, reduce stress, and rejuvenate.
Sana Kausar Habiya
Apna Ghar, which means “Our Home,” provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their families. Located at 4350 North Broadway, the company’s services include a 24-hour helpline, emergency center, counseling, legal advocacy, supervised visits and secure exchange services. We offer volunteer and internship opportunities for students and can be contacted via email (email is protected).
Sana Kausar Habiya
KAN-WIN, a social services organization in the northwest suburbs, focuses on ending domestic violence within Asian American and immigrant communities. Their services include crisis intervention, transitional housing, advocacy, counseling, and education. These services are available in multiple languages including Mongolian, Korean, Spanish, English, and Chinese.
KAN-WIN offers internship opportunities to students during the summer and operates a 24-hour hotline for service. The hotline serves as an important resource for individuals seeking immediate support, and the majority of volunteers are students. As such, volunteers can join after completing a mandatory 40-hour training program that will be conducted virtually in November. There is a fee for training, but it is free if you participate in KAN-WIN volunteer activities.
Sana Kausar Habiya
The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) serves not only women but the entire community. They offer a wide range of resources including case management, food assistance, legal assistance, advocacy programs, housing, employment, mental health support, counseling, and Sexual Violence Support and Recovery (SVSR) programs for survivors of sexual abuse. I’m doing it. YWCA offers free workshops for parents and volunteer and internship opportunities for students. The organization operates as a nonprofit organization that relies on donations and grants to fund its programs and services.
The NEIU Fall 2024 Health Fair was a great success, bringing together critical resources and support for student health. This collaborative effort emphasizes the value of community engagement in creating a healthy campus environment for all.
