Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) held a health fair event on Thursday, March 28, at the EKU Campus Recreation Center. Interested students and faculty could visit each table where they could play games and receive free items.
Lauren McClellan, a junior forensic biology major who works in EKU Student Life and First Year Experiences, attended the event.
McClellan said being involved in student life at EKU means helping and coordinating events on campus. Whether it’s the Colonel’s Closet, helping with daily tasks in the Office of Student Life, or an event you decide to host on campus for students.
“We love it when people come and ask questions to find out more information about what campus life has to offer for students,” McClellan says.
McClellan believes health fairs are very important and help students balance health and academics. “It’s important to balance your physical, emotional and mental health as well as your academics. You get a holistic piece of health,” McClellan says.
McClellan also said holding a health fair would provide more resources to students. Students may not be aware that there are resources on campus, but holding more fairs like this can increase awareness. Students get the right resources through events like this.
“This event has lots of fun games, great music, and (students) learn about different places around Richmond,” McClellan said.
Kenley Chandler from Richmond Parks and Recreation attended the event to share about the organization and the event.
“Richmond Parks and Recreation is dedicated to supporting our community and increasing public awareness of our parks and parks. We also host a number of community-specific community events. Our events are designed for students but also everyone, including people who live in the Richmond area,” Chandler said. “Our office is mostly on campus, but yes, it’s open to everyone.”
Shane Coffee, a junior exercise and sports science major, also attended the event and works as a personal trainer through Campus Rec.
“I talk to clients and help them achieve their fitness goals,” Coffee says. “The client accesses a form on the EKU Campus Rec app website. Once they click on Personal Training and fill out the form, the form is sent to my manager, who I review and discuss with the client to set up. Please set a date and time.”
Coffee said most of her customers are students, but anyone of any age can participate. This process is offered Monday through Friday. Campus Rec also has group fitness classes, and it’s the same process through the EKU Campus Rec app.
Kentucky Foothills Connector Angela Davis was also at the table. The organization provides and assists local residents in obtaining Medicaid, food stamps, and child care assistance in need.
“We are primarily in Kentucky, Madison County and Clark County,” Davis said. “Not everyone may be eligible, but I’m probably talking to 10 to 15 people a day, especially now with Medicaid being shut down.”
Davis said she gets the most calls from people asking for help with qualifying health plans to get out of Medicaid. For more information about the Kentucky Foothills, visit kynect.ky.gov.
To discover Richmond Parks and Recreation on social media, follow @richmondkyparks.
