Fairfield University Health Promotion Center and McKinley School host health fair | Press Releases

Want to learn more about staying healthy? Fairfield University's School of Nursing , in cooperation with the McKinley School in Bridgeport, Conn., will host the McKinley School Health Fair, a health promotion fair open to the entire community on Tuesday, May 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adults and children alike are invited to partake in fun activities and receive health information and screenings.

"We are collaborating to bring health screening and information to the McKinley School as well as members of the broader community," said Lydia Greiner, manager of community services at the School of Nursing's Health Promotion Center (HPC). "The fair will offer information on a variety of health issues such as nutrition and exercise, as well as health screenings."

The HPC, a community nursing center based in Bridgeport, provides health education, screening, and referral services in the greater Bridgeport area, focusing on lead poisoning and cardiovascular risk reduction. On May 4, staff and students from the Fairfield University School of Nursing will provide free blood pressure, blood sugar and lead screening. St. Vincent's Medical Center will also be present to provide mammography and free prostate screening and the Sickle Cell Association will provide sickle cell screening for a small fee.

Families who attend the fair will also be able to learn about the Lead Free Families program, a new program funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and administered by Fairfield University's School of Nursing Health Promotion Center.

Lead Free Families regularly offers free lead screenings in the community, and provides follow-up care and education for children and their families who are affected by lead. Lead poisoning is a serious problem in children that, if undiscovered, can cause lasting effects, including difficulty learning, behavior problems and hearing loss. Lead Free Families is a free program that is open to any East End family with young children.

McKinley School is located on 345 Logan Avenue in Bridgeport. For more information, please call the Health Promotion Center Manager of Community Services at (203) 335-6751 or the McKinley School Home School Coordinator at (203) 576-7784. To schedule a mammogram or prostate screening, please call (203) 576-5501.