This summer, President Obama is calling on all Americans – young and old, from every background, all across this country – to participate in "United We Serve", a nationwide service initiative that will help meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn. BAPS Charities contributed in the Community Service by organizing Health fairs, Blood Donation Drives and Health Awareness Lectures.
On Sunday July 19, 2009, BAPS Charities hosted a health fair, at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chino Hills, CA, providing free check ups and numerous tests for over 425 participants.
To help support this beneficial cause, practicing physicians, health specialists, medical students and USC Pharmacy students volunteered their precious time and gave free consultations to patients and educated them about various health-related aspects. Over 75 medical professionals including doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nurses carried out more than 30 different types of examinations. The screenings included CBC, metabolic panel, lipid levels, glaucoma and vision screenings, bone density, and much more. Moreover, cardiologists, orthopedist, urologist, surgeon, ophthalmologists, primary care physicians and podiatry specialists provided individual consultations.
The Health Fair was inaugurated by Dr. Shephal Doshi, Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing at Saint John’s Health Center and Pacific Heart Institute. Also present were Bobby Griffith, representative from California State Assemblyman Curt Hagman’s office and Roman Nava, representative from County of San Bernadino Supervisor Gary Ovitt’s office. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shephal Doshi said, “At a time when quality health care, routine check-ups and medical consultations are hardly affordable and largely inaccessible to many, BAPS Charities Health Fairs have been of great help to a lot of people providing educating seminars, free examinations and basic tests.” Bobby Griffith and Roman Nava awarded Proclamations to BAPS Charities from their respective offices because of the growing success of the involvement of BAPS Charities to the community.
This event was so exciting. I was thrilled to see so many professionals from all fields of medicine come together with BAPS and help the community. It was beneficial and I highly recommend that everyone in the community should come and take part in this grand event" -Thao NGO, DDS
Recognizing the need to educate the public on the ever-growing concerns of oral care, high cholesterol and diabetes, diet, nutrition, and fitness, professionals from the field also provided health education to participants on these topics to increase awareness and knowledge about prevention and care. Additionally, Obstetrics and gynecologists provided information on women’s health and importance of annual screenings such as mammograms and pap smears. Also, children learned about proper eating, sleeping and exercising habits through interactive presentations and displays.
In addition to the health screenings and consultations, a blood drive was coordinated through LifeStream (formerly The Blood Bank of San Bernardino and riverside Counties). Ninety-nine people registered to donate blood and 89 pints of blood were collected. Erin Davidson, a R.N. for LifeStream stated “We’re impressed with the turnout and the willingness of this community to help save lives. Each blood donation saves the lives of 3 people. There’s a generous spirit here”.
"It was a very productive and positive experience. We were able to interact with cross sections of our community and got to work with fellow pharmacists. I got to help people find answers about their health and it was great,” said Neemish Patel, Pharmacist.
This health fair at Chino Hills is one of the 25 such health fairs, which BAPS Charities organizes annually through out North America. Managing 9 charitable hospitals and 11 mobile medical vans in India, BAPS Charities has treated over 2 million patients and regularly provides treatment to villagers living in remote areas. Through various activities such as, bone marrow and blood drives, nationwide walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities “We are pleased to be able to provide this service to the members of Chino Hills community with the help of physicians that volunteered their time to make this event a success,” said Divyesh Patel BAPS Charities event organizer. Supporting President’s, call for service we are also going to organize a Health Lecture on August 2nd & a walkathon benefitting American Diabetes Association on September 19th.
