St. John's Hosts Health Fair

Fatima Madus

Photo by Jay Thompson
(posted Nov 2)

Priest Jeff Bower of Saint John's Episcopal Church credited the success and organization of the church's first Body, Mind and Spirit health fair to Deacon trainee Fatima Madus and the laity. "I am proud of them," he said. By noon, eighty-five people received screening services during Saturday's health fair.

The health fair is an extension of the food pantry that is offered the second Saturday of the month. Bower is concerned that the community's indigent and uninsured might not take the time for basic health tests of blood sugar, cholesterol and bloop pressure as health care and insurance costs continue to rise.

Madus orchestrated a collaborative effort with the Marion County Health Department, Clarian Health, Wishard, and Easter Seals to provide health and screening services to the public.

Sonja Marion of MCDH explained the health department offers health and environmental services. Health screenings are also offered to businesses, high schools, churches and community organizations in order to have a healthy community.

The health fair is part of Madus' ministry mission to help those in need of health care services. Madus joined the parish in September and immediately saw a need to organize the fair.

Madus came from Nigeria to attend Kentucky State University and did her graduate work at Mississippi University. Her compassion for those in need of health care lead her to work with non-profits to send medications to villages in Nigeria.

She said it is difficult to get the medications through US Customs. She discussed her last medical mission that included removing cataracts in children and adults. She recalled the first words from a six-year-old boy after his surgery restored his sight. "I can go to school now".

Bower hopes to make the health fair an annual event. The church will partner with Christ Church Cathedral to offer worship services in Spanish next year. He said 20 to 30 percent of the population surrounding the church is Hispanic and Latino. Bower is currently studying the language and plans to travel to Ecuador to be immersed in the cultural.