On June 29, 2019, the men of Psi Alpha Alpha (PsiAA) Chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. hosted our second annual Health Fair and Blood Drive in collaboration with the Gum Springs Community Center and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board. The Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter Brothers volunteered to assist with parking, vendor setup and breakdown, security, and crowd control. This event served as the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter’s Charles Drew Memorial Blood Drive which gave residents the opportunity to give the gift of life by donating much needed blood plasma.
The success of the blood drive was evident in the 21 units of blood collected which ultimately can save up to 126 lives. Other featured service providers in attendance (but not limited to) were the Department of Family Services (SNAP), Foster Care & Adoption, Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), American Diabetes Association, Community Service Board Wellness, Health Promotion, and Prevention; Unit Healthcare, Bethlehem Baptist Church (Blood Pressure checks), PsiAA Voter Registration, Mount Vernon Police Department, Mt. Vernon Hospital (Wound Healing, Inova Rehab, and Joint Replacement), and Aging, Disability, and Caregivers Resources.
On-site health screenings consisted of Dental, Blood Pressure, HIV/STD, Glucose, Cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), Hearing, and Sight. The learning sessions consisted of Mental Health in the African American Community, Prostate Cancer, and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). The Children’s Virginia Blood Donor society was also present and taking blood donations.
The Health Fair is very important to the Gum Springs community, as attendees were able to receive valuable information related to various health and community topics. The services were provided free of charge and was open to the public. The PsiAA Brothers also participated in the various health forums provided. Both medical and certified professionals discussed issues that afflict African American men, brought awareness to preventive medicine techniques, and informed the audience of mental health issues in the African American community. The presenters were well informed and well versed in the topic areas posed by the audience.
There were 30 plus PsiAA Brothers who supported this event. All the service providers and guests expressed their appreciation and look forward to participating or attending in future events.
