Representatives from the Whiddon COM volunteer at the Dwell Mobile Wellness Fair. |
Held at Dwell Mobile, the community event was a collaborative effort between multiple organizations, said Linda Hassouneh, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and a hospitalist at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital who specializes in treating patients with infectious diseases.
Dwell Mobile is a nonprofit organization that provides post-resettlement acclimation services and support to refugee families who have relocated to the Gulf Coast.
The organization’s mission is to provide resettled families practical support in their new life, including how to build meaningful relationships with new neighbors, and opportunities to develop a better future.
At the event, USA Health Pediatrics participated with four primary stations: oral hygiene, viral illness prevention, healthy eating awareness and social media guidance, Hassouneh said.
To promote healthy lifestyles, a separate space was set up for dance lessons where children and adults learned some healthy moves for the Zumba and salsa styles of dance and exercise.
This was the second year students and faculty from USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine took part in the event, Hassouneh said.
“Through these efforts, we enhance the health and well-being of children by offering education and helping to identify resources available to patients,” she said. “By engaging directly with the community, we strengthen our relationships with patients and foster trust. At the same time, we build valuable connections with our students, learners, and other healthcare providers.”
USA Health’s pediatric residents, physicians and medical students often take part in health-related community outreach events to build stronger connections with those they serve.