This morning, we set out early on a sleepy Saturday morning to perform health screenings/foot baths in collaboration with the Nspire group. We met up with our Norway exchange friends who were in sleek, bright white scrubs that were much more subtle in sharp contrast to our fire hydrant red scrubs. We met with the priest of the church who explained to us more about the outreach that occurs for people in the community for those who are without a home. We learned that the area had the highest rates of violent crime in Columbus, and one of the highest rates of maternal mortality and infant mortality than anywhere else in Ohio. He also told us that many of the people in the area had 10–20 year shorter life spans due to lack of access to healthcare. It was clear that there are many health disparities that this community faces that need urgently addressed.
As we set up our stations for blood glucose, blood pressure, and feet screenings we immediately noticed how excited people were to shuffle in and interact with the students. The Nspire group, a volunteer student organization, puts together hygiene bags with toiletries and other essentials for those who are in need. Some students were running the foot screenings/baths where people could come and soak/scrub their feet and get a fresh pair of clean socks. We learned from the priest that the un-homed are very hesitant to take of their shoes and often sleep with them on which is why the feet baths are so helpful as often it is the first time they have taken off their shoes in months.
Other students were performing blood glucose and blood pressure screenings and providing education on why they are helpful indicators of overall health which is a great example of SDG Goal “Increase the health literacy of the population.” Many of those who attended today have limited access to preventative medicine or have many barriers to accessing community resources due to lack of transportation for example. By having a simple chat, we were able to learn so much about the community members and the great challenges they face in accessing things we take for granted like dental care. Overall, I can see how pivotal of a clinical experience this is to have and am grateful that we have the opportunity to serve our community in this way.