The need for health services for uninsured residents was well-illustrated last week, when more than 150 people turned out for a free health fair hosted by the First Baptist Church of Westbury.

The health evaluation and education event was held on Saturday, March 24, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The program, which was for the benefit of the community and uninsured individuals and families, was sponsored by The Coalition for Community Well-Being, Inc., headed by Dr. Aubrey Lewis, in conjunction with First Baptist Church, led by Reverend Lionel Harvey, pastor/teacher.

"It was so successful," said Mildred Smith, RN, a member of the women's ministry at the Baptist church who helped organize the event. "We need this in this community. There are so many people who don't have insurance, and they really took advantage of it."

According to Smith, this is the first time the church has sponsored such an event, although Dr. Lewis has been conducting health fairs for about five years. Dr. Lewis and other medical professionals who were on hand performed free health evaluations on several residents, and all necessary follow-up care was referred to the Coalition for Community Well-Being's free health clinic in Hempstead. Evaluations were performed in the following areas: Lung, heart, breast and GYN exams, vaccinations and immunizations; colon, prostate and foot exams, eye, hearing, dental, mental health and HIV screens; and diabetes and blood pressure screens. In addition to referrals, educational materials and counseling were also provided. Mammograms were conducted in mammogram vans provided by the Nassau County Health Department. There was an enthusiastic response to the mammogram vans, according to Smith. "People just walked in by the dozens off the street," she commented.

Financial support for the event came from: Quest Diagnostics, Pfizer, Bayer, Merck, Schering, Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceuticals, St. Francis Hospital, Winthrop University Hospital, Uniondale Chemists, Catholic Health Services of Long Island, Village of Hempstead, Senator Kemp Hannon, and Nakisaki. Several members of the local community volunteered their time at the event, including medical professionals and medical students.

Smith noted that the Baptist church was heartened by the outpouring of community interest in the health fair and plans to host the event again next year. "We really look forward to doing it again," she said.

The Coalition for Well Being's free clinic, which is providing follow-up care, is located at 230 Hilton Avenue, Hempstead 565-1203. For more information on the clinic, one may call the coalition's office/wellness center at 565-1203/867-2569, or Ann Wagner, RN at 622-7778.