On Oct. 1 Raider walk was flooded with students during the annual Student Health Fair. Over 25 booths were in attendance for students to visit and receive information. Medical, dental and other health organizations in the community came together to educate students on the opportunities available to them.
Several tables gave away condoms, stress balls and water bottles. The Student Health Center aimed to provide 10 free flu shots.
The Health Fair took three months to plan and is the biggest event hosted by the Health Center. Many of the tables, such as Planned Parenthood and City of Hope, are medical organizations in the community.
Over 200 students interacted with the health booths, not including the hundreds of students walking to class and passing by.
“I’m really excited so many [organizations] in the community want to share their information and students want to know. The students want to engage with the community partners,” said Allison Barton, health educator at Moorpark College.
The Health Fair is an outreach event for the Student Health Center and other organizations in attendance, to teach and inform students about the services available to them.
During the regular school year, the Student Health Center offers the flu vaccine, STD treatment, counseling and more. The $21 health fee during registration covers several medical and mental health services but not all are free. Pregnancy tests, Tdap and Hepatitis B vaccines are also available to students at a reduced cost.
Clinicas del Camino Real offered students information on health insurance, health services and free blood pressure screenings.
Insurance enrollment specialist for Clinicas del Camino Real, Samantha Perez, 25, was excited to be on campus to share advice with students looking for a health clinic.
“Students should know we won’t turn you away if you don’t have insurance,” explained Perez. Clinicas del Camino Real operates on a sliding scale to work with individuals without coverage.
“Know there’s a place you can go that’s a one stop shop. We offer medical, optical and dental services,” said Perez. “The people are so welcoming and want to get to the bottom of the issues you’re having.”
Moorpark College’s Spectrum Club was also in attendance at the Health Fair giving away information on how to deal with pre and post exposure of HIV. The club encouraged students to approach their booth with enticing games and colorful flags.
“It’s exciting to represent during the health fair,” said Treasurer Adam Gross, 20. “[We’re] a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals on campus and it’s great being able to support.”
To bring awareness to safe sex, Spectrum Club held a condom race to see which student could place a condom on a wooden ‘member’ the safest and fastest.
“It’s a great way to show awareness for so many things that should be prioritized on campus,” said Oscar Ramos, 21, who won the condom race. “It was fun to do, especially with a buddy… It shows how to use protection.”
For more information on Moorpark College health services, call (805) 378-1413 to book an appointment with the Student Health Center or drop in to Room 111 in the Administration Building.
