The University of Georgia hosted the first Normaltown Community Health Fair on April 9 to connect with the neighbors of the Health Sciences Campus and highlight health and wellness resources.
An interdisciplinary team of students and faculty ranging from the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Social Work and others led interactive discussions and activities at the event.
“It was truly inspiring to welcome so many members of our community, from Normaltown and across campus, to the Health Science Campus for this inaugural event,” said Marsha Davis, dean of the College of Public Health. “Our faculty and students were proud to share their work and connect with others — highlighting the critical role public health plays in preventing disease and promoting well-being at the population level. Celebrating this exchange during National Public Health Week made it all the more meaningful, and was a reminder of how strong communities build healthier futures.”
Event attendees received blood pressure readings by pharmacy students, participated in stress management breathing exercises led by social work students and learned about healthy lifestyle choices from medical and public health students. Stretching beyond traditional health care, Georgia Museum of Art staff highlighted their free yoga classes and Morning Mindfulness programming along with the museum’s availability for Athens residents.
Attendees interact during the Community Health Fair at the Health Sciences Campus. (Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA)
The event also featured renderings of the new Medical Education and Research Building. Construction on the 92,000-square-foot facility, supported by $50 million in state investment and more than $50 million in private funds, will begin in May. Set to be completed in December 2026, the facility will support UGA’s new School of Medicine.
“The University of Georgia has a longstanding commitment to service and outreach. The new School of Medicine presents an exciting time and future collaborations to serve our campus and community alongside so many of our colleagues across multiple schools and colleges who have long engaged in this important work,” said Dr. Shelley Nuss, dean of the Medical Partnership and founding dean of the School of Medicine.
Children in attendance were invited to play games where they guessed the sugar content of food, and they could see the Athens Free Clinic’s medical van, which offers primary care throughout Athens. UGA students and faculty also highlighted healthy eating habits — providing fruits and nuts for guests to snack on — and discussed ways for community members to prevent illness.
“Health, especially public health, is crucial,” said Gwen O’Looney, a resident of the nearby Cobbham neighborhood who attended the event. “Preventative health is the secret, and this event is a step toward prevention.”
