VCU news

By Carrie Carroll

The Virginia Commonwealth University MCV Campus Student Government Association partners with the Seventh District’s Healthy U and Camp Diva’s Date with Dad Weekend to hold its eighth annual community health fair to provide free health screenings, wellness education and follow-up resources to the Richmond community.

The VCU Wellness Block Party, formerly the VCU/MCV Community Health Fair, will take place Saturday, March 21, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Armstrong High School, 2300 Cool Lane. This event is open to the public and all health services and screenings will be free of charge.

A variety of general health screenings will be available, including glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. Dental services and STI/HIV screenings will also be offered. Pharmacists will also be available to answer any questions attendees may have. Services will be provided by representatives of several of VCU’s health sciences schools and local community health organizations.

There will be wellness and healthy lifestyle resources from more than 60 organizations related to family resources, health insurance, clinics, mental health, housing, nutrition, legal aid and education.

This student-run “block party” will also feature guests such as Black Thought, from The Roots, and Richmond’s Chad Coleman, from “The Wire” and “The Walking Dead.” Sports Backers will provide a fun obstacle course, while Rodney the Ram and Nutzy hand out high-fives and 106.5 The Beat broadcasts live during the event. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact healthfairvcu@gmail.com or visit http://www.healthfairvcu.org.