Hispanics in Friendship Association recently learned about good health care and nutrition while experiencing a carnival-type atmosphere with face painting, balloons and music by a mariachi band.
The Sept. 23 health fair, which was sponsored by Samford University’s school of nursing on the lawn of the old Health Department building in Oneonta, also provided biblical and literacy lessons.
Pat Hart, professor of nutrition at Samford University, said many Hispanics are hesitant about seeking health care because, among other things, they do not understand the system and do not speak the language.
“There is definitely a language barrier for them in terms of their health,” she said.
Health care education focused on treatment as well as preventive medicine. Nutrition information, such as the food guide pyramid and American Cancer Association brochures, was provided in Spanish.
Hart shared the brochures with Hispanics and answered their questions. She even provided healthy cookbooks in Spanish.
“My husband and I were missionaries in Venezuela, and when we came back to the United States, I wondered how I was going to use my Spanish,” she said.
“I found that reason here,” Hart said. “The Lord is doing amazing things with the Spanish population.”
Members from First Baptist Church, Gallant, who helped with the fair said they were able to see results by entertaining children while their parents received important information.
“We’re trying to focus on the physical and spiritual health of the children and adults,” said Ashleigh Lee, an Acteens leader at First Baptist Church, Gallant, and Spanish teacher at Ashville High School. “Through face painting, we’re trying to get the children involved and let them have fun.
“It’s really neat,” she said. “On the health side, we’ve been able to hand out hygiene packets, and those packets include Bible verses to cultivate spiritual nutrition.”
Friendship Baptist Association organized activities for the children while witnessing to the adults. Also available at the health fair was a demonstration on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
“We are here to raise awareness among this population,” said Donchelle Scott, a nurse practitioner student at Samford. “We are teaching CPR for all age groups. Parents especially want to know how to perform CPR on their children.”
Addressing the language barrier was Amanda Gunter with the Blount County Literacy Council. She shared information about Project Apprende, which targets Hispanic high school students who tend to drop out of school to get jobs.
“I’m such an advocate for people reading,” she said. “We want to help the students and adults learn English so they can better understand their new world.”
“We need volunteers to teach English as a second language, help the students who have dropped out of school get their GED and teach computer classes,” Gunter said.
Gunter said she was pleased with the turnout by Hispanics wanting to know more about the program. “The attendees are interested in opening their lives and bettering themselves in this country.”
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