Electronic Fall 2023 | Issue 56
IPS Health Fairs
By: Tristan Hazebrook
In recent months, IPS has participated in several health fairs. One recent fair was hosted in Rockford by State Representative Maurice West. Another took place at Proviso West High School and was hosted by Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch. Both fairs drew impressive crowds and had their own distinct character.
The Rockford event was vibrant and included a DJ playing music. The aroma of burgers and hot dogs being grilled by State Representative West's team filled the air. Despite the hot and breezy weather, community members of all ages flocked to engage with the event. IPS members spoke with attendees, discussing topics like finding psychiatrists and the pivotal role psychiatrists play in healthcare. We also passed out brain-shaped stress balls imprinted with the IPS website link to a resource page, alongside nutritious granola bars. By the end of the event, we had spoken with many people about the importance of mental health and had even run out of our main resource page, having dispersed hundreds of copies.
The Proviso West High School fair took on a dynamic "back to school" theme, catering to both parents and children gearing up for the academic year. The ambiance was electric, with a DJ pumping music through speakers as kids joyfully explored various tents, gathered treats, and collected prizes before dashing back to the bouncy house. Meanwhile, parents were treated to local businesses distributing complimentary meats and produce for their first school-year meal and more. On-site, a barber offered free haircuts, and a health clinic provided students with no-cost physicals for the upcoming year. Isaac Johnson, an IPS member and third-year medical student, thought “it was incredible to see so many organizations band together to make access to information less of a headache for our community's families.” IPS members passed out colorful animal trinkets for children and informational flyers ranging from topics like teen mental health to substance use to how to find a psychiatrist. Conversations with parents were often centered around the 988 mental health crisis line, with many learning about this important free resource for the first time. Many connections were forged. IPS Member Dr. MacKenzie even explored prospects of conducting de-escalation training and offering support groups for firefighters, following a conversation with the head of the fire department. Engagements extended to Speaker of the House Chris Welch and State Treasurer Michael Frerichs's staff, where discussions encompassed forthcoming events and the pivotal role of mental health among adolescents.
Overall, both events were well attended and proved enjoyable and enlightening for community members. Special thanks to Kristen Malloy and Meghan Engelbrecht’s hard work with these fairs and coordinating volunteers, supplies, logistics, and more! Thank you to all IPS members and medical students who attended and helped make this event a success. I highly recommended joining IPS at the next health fair!
