Master of Science in Nursing students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello collaborated with New Bethel Church Ministries in Winchester to bring a health expo to residents of Drew, Lincoln and Desha counties earlier this year.
The expo aimed to improve health outcomes in rural Arkansas communities disproportionately affected by chronic diseases, according to a news release.
The MSN students, whose degree program focuses on public health, worked with local health organizations to provide healthcare services, screenings and educational resources.
Dr. Sam Makhoul, an oncologist from the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute, spoke about the importance of early screening for breast and lung cancer. Attendees had access to educational materials, door prizes and activities designed to enhance their health knowledge.
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“Our goal for this event was to help educate the people in the rural communities where we live about some of the resources available to them,” said Tanya Hawkins, an MSN student at UAM and co-host of the expo held in July.
“Providing health information in rural communities helps people to prevent and manage their chronic conditions, which ultimately helps improve the health outcomes of the communities,” Hawkins said.
Brandy Haley is dean of the School of Nursing at UAM.
“Health expos help bring the community together to network with a goal of meeting the diverse individual needs,” Haley said. “The education provided at this event will hopefully have lasting effects on improving the health of individuals, their families and their communities. In our Master of Science in Nursing program, we emphasize that health expos and fairs are public health interventions rather than mere class assignments, and we challenge our graduate students to use their nursing skills and knowledge to help instill healthy behaviors in those attending.
“I am extremely proud of these graduate nursing students for developing this health expo and, more importantly, for understanding that public health education can improve disease outcomes,” Haley said.
The MSN program at UAM offers two tracks for RNs to obtain their degree: RN to MSN and BSN to MSN. Both tracks begin in January and June. Details: UAM School of Nursing at www.uamont.edu/academics/nursing or call (870) 460-1069.