A public health fair designed to help students answer health-related questions ranging from HIV/syphilis, vision checks, to mammogram screenings will be held Oct. 8.

The fair will begin at 9 a.m. and will last until 2 p.m. in the Larry Darlage Center Corner (NSTU 1615A) on NE Campus.

The health fair also will provide screenings for body mass index, fitness testing, spinal screenings among other free services. At the fair, anyone can register to donate bone marrow.

In addition to providing free health services, Affordable Care Act navigators from the United Way of Tarrant County will answer questions about health insurance or signing up for care.

Health vendors include Cook Children’s Health Plan, the American Cancer Society, Baylor Regional Medical Center and the Tarrant County Public Health Department.

TCC-affiliated services at the fair include the dental hygiene program, health and physical education to measure body fat and grip strength, health sciences and the TCC Police to discuss personal safety.

Carter BloodCare will have a mobile unit and be in the Galley (NSTU 1506) until 4 p.m. for blood donation. Students also can get mammograms 9 a.m.-3 p.m. by appointment only.

Patricia Marling, coordinator of health services who is in charge of the fair, said it is an opportunity for those who need health care.

“We target a lot of social service agencies that will be there to help those students who don’t have any insurance or money and can provide them insurance at a low cost,” she said.

The vendors will be there as volunteers and want to serve, Marling said.

“The vendors want to help those that don’t have care, and those that need the care don’t know where to look to find them,” she said. “At the health fair, we bring the two together.”

— Matt Koper