Little Rock residents gathered Saturday at the Southwest Community Center for a free health fair organized by the Arkansas Medical Society. The event aimed to make preventive care more accessible by offering on‑site screenings, vaccinations and assistance scheduling follow‑up appointments.
On‑site services
Attendees received blood‑pressure checks and testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. Flu vaccines were administered, and information about breast and cervical cancer screening was available. Dr. Kate Stambaugh, the society’s vice president for governmental affairs and a gynecologist, reminded participants that many sexually transmitted infections show no symptoms, emphasizing the importance of routine testing.
“The most common symptom of an STD is no symptom at all,” Stambaugh said. She added that a one‑time HIV screening is recommended for anyone of reproductive age, regardless of perceived risk.
Connecting patients to care
Beyond the immediate tests, the fair’s staff helped visitors arrange appointments for services not provided on‑site. For uninsured or underinsured patients, several programs offer no‑cost screenings, reducing financial barriers to early detection.
Stambaugh noted that navigating the health‑care system can feel overwhelming, and the fair’s volunteers worked to simplify that process. “Connecting people with providers and helping schedule appointments can reduce those barriers,” she explained.
Expert encouragement
Dr. Naveen Patel, president of the Arkansas Medical Society and deputy state health officer, highlighted the life‑saving potential of early detection. “Getting mammograms at timely intervals, if you are in that age group, have a family history, is very important,” Patel said.
Patel also urged Arkansans to stay current with recommended vaccinations and screenings, and to ask local health units about available resources. He emphasized that community‑based initiatives like this fair are essential for public‑health outreach.
Looking ahead
The health fair required no registration and was open to all Little Rock residents. The Arkansas Medical Society expressed hope to replicate the event in other Arkansas communities next year, expanding access to preventive care across the state.
For more information on upcoming health fairs or to learn about free screening programs, residents can contact the Arkansas Medical Society or visit their website.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
