On Thursday, July 24th, the $$Pikeville Campus once again joined forces with generous members of the local medical community to bring free health care screenings, wellness information and safety demonstrations to young and old alike during the 7th annual Healthy Fun Fair.
With a number of career training programs in the medical field, American National University has a long history of sponsoring events which combine health and fun, including a marathon and an adventure race. Attendees from throughout eastern Kentucky mark their calendars each year to attend the Healthy Fun Fair because of the unique opportunity to learn more about wellness and get valuable health screenings, all in a fun, carnival-like atmosphere.
[img]During the event, the staff from AirEvac Lifeteam taught hands-only CPR to the beat of the song “Staying Alive,” while the Spina Bifida Association dispensed free bottles of folic acid vitamins to expectant mothers, and the YMCA conducted a lively Zumba class down the hall. Outside, large inflatable water slides, games, and popcorn were enjoyed by the many children who attended the event with their families, while just a few feet away, the Pikeville Health Department’s Mobile Clinic provided free well-child exams, sports and school physicals, and many other services.
“I think that with a lot of people not having health care insurance, and maybe not seeing doctors, that this is a great place for them to come and get a lot of information regarding health care,” said Jackie Cole, a senior health environmentalist at Pike County Health Department, who worked at the check-in desk of the mobile clinic.
The event also serves as an excellent opportunity for students in the medical programs at the campus to gain hands-on experience using their phlebotomy and other medical skills. Zeke Karczewski, a student in the nursing program, said that he enjoyed interacting with the public as he conducted blood pressure screenings during the fair. “It gives people an opportunity to see what’s going on at American National University, and also an opportunity to get some health care in a real convenient way,” Zeke said.
A mock medical emergency, conducted by first responders from the EMS, police, and fire departments, is a highlight of the event each year. This year’s simulation — a drunk-driving ATV accident — featured a very special guest, American National University president Frank Longaker, who portrayed an accident victim alongside several students from the campus. President Longaker and another “victim” were extracted from a car by firemen using the Jaws of Life, and whisked away by paramedics, as a large crowd enjoyed the excitement.
A- (Shown left to right) American National University President Frank Longaker, regional director of admissions Trent Ramey and executive director of health science education Diane Morey is shown practicing hands-only CPR to the rhythm of the song "Staying Alive" during the 2014 Healthy Fun Fair.
B- Frank Longaker, president of American National University, is shown being transported by stretcher to an ambulance during the medical emergency simulation that was conducted during the Healthy Fun Fair.
Event Sponsors:
Pikeville Medical Center
Highlands Regional Medical Center
Coca-Cola
Pearson Publishing
TransStar Ambulance
Coal Run FD
Dr. Jody Johnson
AirEvac Lifeteam
Dr. Jeremy Parsons
Event Vendors:
AirEvac Lifeteam
Pikeville Medical Center
Highlands Medical Center
Wal-Mart Vision
Coal Run Police Department
UK Cooperative Extension Service
YMCA
Pike County Health Department
Appalachian Pregnancy Center
The Wellness Center
Kentucky Department of Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement
Audiology Associates
U.S. Army
Spina Bifida Association
Pike County Public Library
WellCare
Kentucky Mountain Home Place
Medical Reserve Corps
Radio Eye
New Opportunity School For Women
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk
Judi’s Place
Kentucky State Police
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Emergency Management
Tran-Star Ambulance
Kentucky Department of Highways
Appalachian First Response
Job Corps
