BY EMILY SUHR
SUNY Downstate’s Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair brought giveaways, resources and even hopscotch to East Flatbush on Sept. 6 to promote community wellness in partnership with New York Senator Zellnor Myrie.
Tables lined Lenox Road, each representing different health-focused organizations and initiatives. Some offered activities, such as weightlifting, to get people of all ages engaged. Others offered free backpacks and other school supplies. The fair also attracted people interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.
Many of the groups present were affiliated with SUNY Downstate, showcasing the university’s wide-reaching programs aimed at improving community wellness. One of these groups, the Free Clinic, is a student-led effort to provide free healthcare.
“We’re really focused on not just the primary care aspect, but we also have a lot of ancillary services,” said Leah Strahs, a student in the College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate who volunteers at the clinic. “Things like getting people connected with SNAP and WIC, getting people Medicaid if they are eligible…so just a comprehensive primary care service.”
Downstate’s Occupational Therapy Program also tabled at the event, promoting proper backpack wearing techniques just in time for the new school year. The program’s table had a spin-the-wheel game with prizes including towels and headbands, and was set up next to the back-to-school backpack giveaway.
“Both straps on both shoulders, not too low, not too high, sort of a middle ground but definitely above the rear,” said Lilly Bovio, a student in the Occupational Therapy Program in the School of Health Professions. “And then the last kind of big thing to point out is for it to not be too heavy, and to stand up nice and straight, not be too hunched up.”
Other fairgoers were interested in learning about careers in health. Volunteers answered questions about the pathway to becoming a doctor.
Whether distributing health education materials, conducting screenings, or hosting activities, volunteers at each table played a role in strengthening the support and connection between SUNY Downstate and the surrounding community.
“It’s really cool to talk to community members,” said Strahs, “and see all of the different stakeholders and departments at Downstate all kind of have the same idea of wanting to engage the community.”