A health fare was organized at Baltimore Gurudwara, Washington D.C, USA on May 31 by Mayur Mody with joint effort of various other Indian associations; such as, Sikh Association and South Asian Commission, Gujarat Samaj of Baltimore; Telugu Association and volunteers from Assam Association of North America, Assam Foundation of North America and Friends of Assam and Seven sisters joined the effort. This is the first time where various organizations of Assamese community of North America came forward to join hand with other Indian associations to share common purpose.
The Assam / North East India has always got negative news in the Indian national media and still we hear questions like "where is Assam?" even in 2014. In an interview - Mr. Partha Gogoi, the Regional Vice President, Mid Atlantic region, Assam Association of North America (AANA) has emphatically stated his concerns and expressed that we, as Assamese, have to take the initiative, step up and show our presence and talent to work with other Indian Associations in the Washington DC metro area. This will bring "synergy" and "collaboration" at the level of community service here in the Washington DC metro area since every Indian regional group have similar issues and challenges. In the same interview Regional Secretary of Mid Atlantic region, AANA, Mrs Anjana Bordoloi has also raised her voice to come forward and participate in such events to make an example for our next generation. Mrs Bordoloi also mentioned that every other Indian Communities have temples for their own deity, but we as a community do not have “NAAM GHAR” anywhere in the US. This is the time where Assamese community should embrace a paradigm shift and build an identity that was left behind in Assam. Mr Gogoi added that "the idea of a nam ghar was first brought up by Mr Lohit Datta Barua of Houston at the Assam Convention in Atlanta 2008 and expressed positive hope that maybe this will become a reality in coming 10 years".
The Chairman of South Asian Commission Jesse Singh encouraged the volunteers of Assamese community and appealed to participate more on such events. The main coordinator Mr Mayur Mody has further expressed to have a meeting soon with all the Indian Communities and brainstorm together to discuss about such events.
About 15 lead Doctors specialized in different fields; such as, internal medicine, Gastroenterology Gynecology, Pulmonologist,, Dentist and General Surgeon,forNutrionist; contributed their services to assist people at the health fair. Walgreen pharmacist assisted with glucometers for sugar test and also services like blood pressure and BMI test.
Philippine Nurse Association participated for various screenings and wellness education.
There were also arrangements for Diabeties prevention education; Yoga, HIV testing and guidance for screening at Cancer screening enrollment program from Baltimore County, bone Marrow by Samar group and organ donor enrollment by Living Foundation and medical students enrollment guidance etc.Chase Brexton Health Center of Baltimore participated to enroll people; who do not have medical insurance and to facilitate to see patients with a copay of $25.Medicaid/ Medicare program enrollment services were also provided at health fair.
The event was success as in the past also and do foresee to participate more at different locations throughout the year.
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