POMONA, Calif. – More than 75 Pomona families participated in a free community flu immunization and health clinic organized by the Pomona Community Health Action Team (PCHAT), held in an effort to provide accessible health care and serve local residents’ medical needs.

PCHAT – a partnership between Western University of Health Sciences, Associated Pomona Teachers and Pomona Unified Health Services – held the event on Oct. 17 at Madison Elementary School.

“For those who may not have health care insurance, this event was a critical step in being able to access health care providers and services, including basic medical checkups, screenings and immunizations at no cost,” said Pomona Unified School District Board of Education President Frank Guzman. “Thanks to this decades-long coalition, we have continued to be successful in ensuring our community’s health.”

WesternU students from the school’s doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy and health professions education programs conducted the health screenings under the supervision of licensed physicians and other health care professionals. Teachers union members provided snacks and beverages to WesternU faculty and students, as well as raised awareness about the fair to surrounding schools.

“For more than 30 years, PCHAT has served two purposes: affording health care services to those in need of medical care and providing hands-on learning experiences to our future doctors and medical practitioners at WesternU,” said Mark Maine, Pomona Unified’s Director of Student Wellbeing. “The collaborative nature of this project has enabled us to expand services to our local schools and help thousands of our students and families for free.”

Free services included full medical exams, sports physicals, blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations, as well as flu vaccines and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines, known to protect against whooping cough and other diseases.

“This year, WesternU students will begin to follow up with the patients served to make sure they continue receiving treatment,” said PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez. “It’s exciting to see our local families and students taking advantage of PCHAT events and the resources available to ensure they are healthy and come to school ready to learn.”

Palomares Academy of Health Sciences, at 2211 N. Orange Grove Ave., will host the next PCHAT health fair on Nov. 14, with more clinics planned in the future.