More than 200 researchers, educators, practitioners and policymakers gathered recently for the Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse Conference, held on the University Park campus.
Through Penn State Center Philadelphia, Penn State faculty and students are working with community organizations in Philadelphia to create easier access to health screenings, low cost health care and advice on how to live a healthier lifestyle. One of the first initiatives to come to fruition was a Health Fair at the South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center on April 27.
Penn State Student Erinn Rajapaksa and Dr. Abigail Akande, assistant professor of Rehabilitation and Human Services at Penn State Abington, provided information about mental health to participants at the Health Fair in Philadelphia.
Penn State students complete blood pressure assessments, blood sugar and lipid readings via finger stick, measure aerobic fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and determine percent body fat which all helps to identify risk for chronic disease.
Health care professionals, the Penn State Center Philadelphia, Penn State faculty and students are working with community organizations in Philadelphia to make health care accessible.
