To educate students and community members on health topics ranging from obesity to stress management, the College of Health Sciences & Human Services is sponsoring a free Community Health Fair, held March 7.

“The primary purpose is putting prevention into practice,” said Betty Bowels, assistant professor of nursing coordinator and nursing outreach in the Wilson School of Nursing. “Prevention is the key to affordable healthcare.”

The event will be held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m in D.L. Ligon Coliseum Gym and will include free screenings from HIV to blood pressure, yoga, a blood drive, food bank and much more.

“It’s a huge community event,” said Bowels. “It’s not only for faculty, staff, and students, but also for the community. It’s kind of a gift from Midwestern to the community.”

There are also multiple activities on topics ranging from healthy living, disease prevention and emergency preparedness.

“There will be about 55 projects involving community partners,” Bowles said. “Everything is free except cholesterol screenings, but the first 20 participants get it free.”

Cameron Harper, sophomore in accounting, said she will be attending this event.

“I like to work out so I’m excited about the exercise activities and healthy living,” said Harper. “There’s not much of an excuse not to go. It’s almost all day, pretty much all free, and seems like there are activities for just about everyone.”

But according to Bowels the event isn’t just about putting prevention into practice, but more importantly reaching out to the community.

“We want to emphasize giving back to your community,” Bowles said.