Tucson Health Fair Offering Free Screenings For Diabetes, Vision, and More

The health fair offers great ways to practice proactive health care, says one of the organizers.

The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and Tucson Parks and Recreation are hosting a health fair with more than 40 exhibitors this Saturday. 

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the El Rio Neighborhood Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd.

Medical professionals will offer free screenings for osteoporosis, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, breathing, and vision, as well as medication reviews. 

One of the organizers says these screenings are good ways to practice proactive health care because they can tell people if something is wrong, even if they don’t feel sick.

“The health screenings provided at the fair are very important as they cover the most general, underlying issues that could lead to chronic illness or disease,” Ariel Gin, a PharmD candidate at University of Arizona, told The Copper Courier in an email. “It is important that we check how our bodies are doing every so often in order to prevent possible diseases and to prevent current diseases from worsening.”

Gin said health fairs are a great way to bridge the gap between doctors and patients often limited in time and finances. According to census data, nearly 14% of Tucson residents under age 65 do not have health insurance.

“Each and every person is living a life that only they can live, and sometimes it may be difficult to spare the money and time to get our health checked,” Gin said. “Screenings can range from $10 to $50+ depending on the clinic and whether a person has insurance coverage.” 

The health fair is also offering more than just screenings. Attendees can receive training in CPR and the use of opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone. 

For kids, there will be free face painting and bracelet-making activities.

Spanish translators will also be available. 

For more information, call 520-791-4683.