Wright State medical students to volunteer at community health fair event

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Working in neighborhoods near the recently closed Good Samaritan Hospital, the goal for students is to make contact with as many residents in the 45406 zip code as possible, either by phone, email or personal interaction.

"Many of the neighbors we've heard from lack the basic health care resources they need to stay healthy," said Gina McFarlane-El, executive director of Five Rivers Health Centers. "We want to make a difference for these folks."

It is the first time Five Rivers Health Centers has held the health coaching project. The center's leaders anticipate approximately 100 medical students to serve as health coaches for community members.

Students will ask residents questions to determine their health care needs, help connect them with providers and identify other activities and resources available.

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"We hope the students will learn about community health needs and how to get resources to those neighbors in need," said McFarlane-El. "We expect a huge turnout. We know that residents come out for the free health screenings, fun activities, raffle prizes and education."

Five Rivers Health Centers is a nonprofit, federally qualified health center that serves patients, regardless of their ability to pay. It provides high-quality health care to patients while providing learning opportunities to Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine resident physicians.

To learn more, visit fiverivershealthcenters.org.