Drexel to Conduct Health Screenings at City Council President Veterans Fair

Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke today announced the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University will offer comprehensive health screenings at the City Council Veterans Resource Fair on Monday, May 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 400 North Broad Street.

Faculty and students will conduct a variety of screenings for veterans, including blood pressure, eye exams, and blood glucose; as well as behavioral health indicators such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, couples counseling, and addiction.

“I was very pleased to see the excitement generated by our students and faculty when they learned they would be participating in the Veterans Resource Fair,” said Dr. Leland “Rocky” Rockstraw, assistant dean in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. “Annual screening promotes early intervention and a healthy lifestyle.”

“I am so grateful Drexel is stepping up to help our veterans,” said Council President Clarke. “There is no excuse for those who served our country to have inadequate access to health care.”

More than 20 City and local agencies as well as nonprofits including the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center will be represented. Employment, education, and housing information also will be offered along with health screenings.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, more than 25% of veterans report a disability -- significantly higher than in the civilian population. A 34% plurality of veterans served in the Vietnam War, which ended 37 years ago. Surveys of veterans’ health have shown they report difficulty in functioning and rate their health status as fair or poor.

To RSVP or receive more information about the Veterans Resource Fair: Reinvesting in Your Potential, see City Council’s website or call 215-686-3256.

Additional news media contact: Jane Roh, 215-686-3437 or Jane.Roh@Phila.gov