Future doctors and nurses were giving back to their community on Sunday.
Students from the UBCO Southern Medical Program and the School of Nursing were giving blood pressure and diabetes risk assessments to the hundreds of people visiting the fair.
It was a part of the CATCH-BC program,
a public health initiative launched by the
students.
"Our mission is to help people become more aware about the program at UBCO," said Dr. Charlotte Jones, associate professor with UBCO Medicine.
The student doctors and nurses had been preparing for the event by working together for days before the event. They were assessing patients for diabetes using the CANRISK test and for blood pressure using a BpTRU device. If they were in a high-risk category, they were being advised to go see their doctor.
"We were teaching them how to professionally work together so they'll be ready when they work in hospitals," said Deb McCullough Faculty Member with the School of Nursing.
Jordan Nostedt is a second-year medical
student at UBCO.
He said the event was a good opportunity to better his skills.
"You get to work with people in different communities and it's good experience. You get to work on your communication skills."
Jones says CATCH-BC will be putting on more events throughout the year.
"We're making plans to look at more public health initiatives and interventions to
improve the health of all Kelownians."