City Rescue Mission’s homeless get health services

About 150 students from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center volunteered Friday to provide medical tests, health information and hygiene products to homeless people and residents of the City Rescue Mission.

OU College of Pharmacy students test blood sugar levels during a health fair at the City Rescue Mission. PHOTO BY Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

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Rescue mission gives free health service

Oct 30City Rescue Mission residents get free health services Friday.

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The annual "Health and Safety Blitz” aims to provide a lot of information in a short amount of time, said Debbi McCullock, director of social services for the shelter. Students from nine OU colleges helped at the event. Other participants included pharmacies, the YWCA and police and fire departments.

OU students said they are learning practical health care skills while helping the disadvantaged.

Sheri Winner, a pharmacy student, volunteered for the second year.

"I loved it,” she said. "It’s reaching out to those who have a need.”

Tammi Higa, a resident of the City Rescue Mission, had her blood pressure checked. She has diabetes and now pays more attention to her health.

"I think it’s good,” she said of the health fair. "You have all the resources in one place.”

Another resident of the mission, William McCaulley, was trying on free reading glasses. He said his vision has deteriorated lately, probably because he has diabetes.

McCaulley, who was living on the streets until recently, called the health fair "God’s blessing.”

Donta Breckenridge, a case worker for Healing Hands clinic, said the homeless and poor are vulnerable to illness. He was giving free seasonal flu vaccinations.

"We want them to know we are caring and loving and respect them,” he said.

Breckenridge said when people are healthy, they make better decisions about their lives.

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