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San Diego, CA 92123
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Report of Community Health Fair, June 28, 2009


The Asian Pacific Health Center in conjunction with the UCSD medical and pharmacy students organized a second Community Health Fair at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on June 28, 2009. This semi-annual event was planned 3 months earlier, for a total of 3 meetings at the office and on site. At the last meeting two weeks before the health fair, the layout of the operations and finalization of screening forms and procedures were presented.

Health Fair Day
Early on Sunday June 28, all the responsible staff and volunteers were present to prepare the premises. Banners and signs were put up, and tents marked with the services to be offered. Attendees who came early got numbers for priority assignments. The registration booth was busy with many volunteers helping the registrants with the survey questions on Hepatitis B and osteoporosis. The questions on Hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and heartburn were asked at the testing stations by the student pharmacists.
At noon, lunch prepared on site was served to all. In the meeting room, Dr Ton Tran presented a talk on Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B and Breast Cancer Early detection in Asian populations. There were many questions asked from the attendees.
Results of Screening:
Number of registrants: 170
Number of staff and volunteers: 50
Results of patient services were as follows:
  
Hepatitis B screenings: 111, with percentages computed among the persons tested. 
Case 1: HBsAg (-), anti HBs (-): 25 persons (23.15%) 
Case 2: HBsAg (-), anti HBs (+): 79 persons (79%) 
Case 3: HBsAg (+), anti HBs (-): 7 persons (6.48%).
The large number of case 2 (79%) and relatively lower number of case 3 compared to previous results reflected the noticeable effect of screening and immunization efforts in San Diego over the recent years. 
  
Osteoporosis screenings: 127
T-score between -2.5 and -1 showing osteopenia: 39 persons (31%); 
T-score below -2.5 showing osteoporosis: 8 persons (6%)
T-score above -1 for normal condition: 16 persons (13%).
Results are given in attachment II, with the graphs depicting the patient variables: 
Gender: more female(67%) than male,
Age: below 50 (21%), between 50 and 65 (71%), above 65 (8%)
Frame: small stature: 54%
Previous fracture or positive family history: 9% 
Early menopause or ovary removal: 13%
Calcium and Vitamin D or milk intake: 37%
Social habits: smoking: 6%, Excessive alcohol: 2%
Oral steroids: 11%
Exercise: 56%

Other tests: 
Blood pressure screenings: 79 
Cholesterol screenings: 68 
Heartburn screenings: 12 
Glucose testings: 96 
Cancer detection services and drug information: 32
Comments on the Health Fair Operations:
a. Careful and detailed planning of this year’s health fair contributed to a high turnout rate for participants and volunteers. To protect against the sun, a tarpaulin was raised over the parking lot and extra tents and chairs were placed at popular testing stations with long lines to provide some comfort for the waiting participants.
b. Improvements in the registration process were very helpful in streamlining the flow of patients. At the “Waiting station”, early comers received a number and waited to be called to the “Registration Station.” At this second station, attendees signed in, received a registration packet which they filled out at the “Translation Station” with the help of volunteers.
c. Implementation of an Information booth was also beneficial. From there, participants were directed to the testing stations. The volunteers helped the patients make the most of their health fair experiences by answering their questions and enhancing their knowledge of the tests performed.
The well thought-out improvements made the fair’s operation smooth and efficient. Overall, the June 2009 Health Fair was a great accomplishment. Patients were appreciative of the free services provided, and will most likely come back.
Our sincere thanks to:
- the sponsors: Komen for the Cure – San Diego, San Diego County Medical Society Foundation, Gilead Sciences, Proctor & Gamble, Community Health Group
- the Seventh Day Adventist Church officials and members 
- UCSD Medical students
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences student pharmacists
- San Diego State University and area college students
- Viet PBS channel reporters
- All the volunteers from the community 
- Contributors to this report: Kristiana Nguyen, Hieu Quach, Eric Pham





Binh N. Tran, PharmD
Executive Director
Asian Pacific Health Center
San Diego, CA