UNITED SIKHS
November 17 2009
4th Maghar (Samvat 541 Nanakshahi)
Press Release

UNITED SIKHS Partners with NC Health Department to Educate about Swine Flu Pandemic at Health Fair

52nd Sikh Aid health fair offers free flu shots, free lab tests and health screenings for all ages at local Gurdwara in North Carolina

Charlotte, NC, USA – With concerns that the ‘Swine’ flu pandemic continues to spread worldwide this Fall, UNITED SIKHS Carolina Sikh Aid Team, in collaboration with Gurdwara Sahib of Charlotte, organized its second health fair this year and provided free flu shots, free lab tests (Cholesterol and Diabetes) and free health screenings for the public.

The fair, which was held on 1st November, 2009, at the local Gurdwara, is part of our ongoing effort to engage, educate and empower the community through health initiatives.

The free health screenings provided were for:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Women Health
  • Lab tests – Cholesterol, Blood Sugar
  • Dental
  • Diet/Nutrition
  • Vision
  • Orthopedics

Community members registering for flu shots
Ms Susan Jones giving presentation to the Community

Health information on different topics was provided in English and Panjabi.

In some countries, up to 70% percent of the flu viruses being sampled are the  H1N1 (‘Swine’) flu virus. In an effort to educate the community about the virus,  UNITED SIKHS invited a representative from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Health Department, Susan Jones, to speak at the health fair. She gave valuable updates on the state of the H1N1 virus and its effects. She also spoke about various prevention methods and resources being provided by health department to contain the spread of virus.

Despite the inclement weather, approximately, 30 members took advantage of free flu shots and blood tests.

The fair was very successful in encouraging community members to utilize local health care resources. Balbir Kaur, who took advantage of flu shots, said, “The health fair is a wonderful way to serve uninsured community members.”

Pawanjit Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director,  and Susan Jones discussed ways to further educate the local community through different community outreach programs. Pawanjit commented, “Collaboration is critical, especially in the event of a disaster and other health emergencies. We will continue to foster the ongoing relationship with the local health department, and thank Susan for joining us.”
Community members registering for screenings

UNITED SIKHS would also like to extend special thanks to the Gurdwara Sahib of Charlotte for hosting the health fair, and for sponsoring the lab tests. Gurdwara Sahib President, Dr. Surenderpal Singh Mac continues to encourage community outreach.

UNITED SIKHS would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Jaspal Singh and Dr. Suneet Kaur for sponsoring free flu shots, and to all other doctors and volunteers for their cooperation in organizing this event.

You may read about a previous community service project by UNITED SIKHS at https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-14-07-2009-00.htm

Issued by:
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur
SIKH AID Coordinator
UNITED SIKHS NC/SC
Email: gurpreet.kaur1@unitedsikhs.org
 
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OUR MISSION

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good.

Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.

We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.