Augusta University
Stacey Hudson
The Dental College of Georgia teamed up again with the AU College of Nursing for their annual health fair, providing vital screenings and referrals to over 200 farmworkers from Costa-Layman Farms in Trenton, South Carolina.
This event goes beyond basic check-ups. It’s an interdisciplinary effort with over seven different colleges and local services participating. Students gain valuable experience while providing care, and farmworkers receive health information and resources they might otherwise lack.
“The health fair allows students to work alongside each other and with faculty, while farmworkers receive comprehensive services and referrals,” said Dr. Alan Furness, Associate Dean of Patient Services. “The process allows us to provide preventative dental care and information while also offering on-site services such as screenings and referrals for more complex care such as restorative procedures.”
Many rural, seasonal farmworkers face unique health challenges. Language barriers, limited access to healthcare and the nature of their work can lead to chronic conditions and difficulty getting preventative care. This program helps bridge that gap.
By bringing in faculty and students trained in rural healthcare, the fair offers screenings, lab work analysis and referrals to appropriate resources – all in a familiar setting. This collaborative approach benefits everyone involved.
“As a dental school, community impact is a part of our mission,” said Dr. Nancy Young, Dean of The DCG. “We educate people, and we treat people. So helping the communities around Augusta and across the state of Georgia is an important part of our philosophy and our student training.”
The fair was sponsored by the College of Nursing and included volunteers from across Augusta University, including The DCG, the College of Allied Health Sciences, the Georgia Cancer Center, AU Health Laboratory Services, the Ryan White Program, Interpreter Services, Critical Event Preparedness and Response and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship.
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