Touro College Of Osteopathic Medicine In Harlem Hosts Community Health Fairs

Community health fairs hosted and staffed by Harlem’s Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) attracted people of all ages and colors for health screenings and education recently.

On Friday, October 22, 2021, about 250 visitors came to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Building Plaza for blood pressure, glucose, vision and HIV screenings, as well as information on dental and foot care from Touro College of Dental Medicine and Touro’s New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and one-on-one talks about healthy eating.

Donations of skin care products from L’Oréal and NYC dermatologist Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton were provided as well, along with eyewear from Lafont USA.

“We were very excited to host the TouroCOM Biannual Health Fair to serve the Harlem community and foster new partnerships with various local organizations,” said Associate Professor  Kamilah Ali, Ph.D., co-chair of the school’s Community Service Committee, who also thanked NYC partners Alliance for Positive Change, African Service Committee and the Committee of Hispanic Children and Families for their support.

The previous week, TouroCOM medical student volunteers hosted another health fair at the Malian Center in Harlem to serve primarily the Murid community of Harlem, devout Muslims originating from Senegal in Western Africa.

Students provided blood pressure checks, blood glucose screenings, eye exams, and hepatitis counseling for about 70 community members before and after their Friday prayer. Fliers in both French (the official language of Senegal) and English about breast cancer, cervical cancer, hepatitis, and healthy eating were also provided.

“We are so grateful to the Murid community for welcoming us into their sacred space,” said Mahin Zaman M.S., OMS-II, president of the school’s International Medicine Club and the event organizer. “We greatly appreciate the chance to serve and connect with such a beautiful community.”