AMHERST, N.Y. – Buffalo residents in South Park High School’s neighborhood received free health screenings from Daemen College physician assistant students at a community health clinic held March 25 at the school.

“By bringing the health clinic right into their neighborhood, local residents have convenient access to a range of screenings that are essential to preventive care,” said Cheryl Bird, executive director of the Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability and Civic Engagement, which co-sponsored the event with the Daemen Physician Assistant Society. “This type of outreach effort is important to enriching the educational experience for our students and provides them the opportunity to engage with residents in a community setting.”

Under the supervision of Associate Professor Joel Patterson, 35 Daemen PA students provided health screenings and checks for blood pressure, glucose, ear, nose and throat, vision, body mass index, lungs, and heart. Participating residents each received a health card with their screening results.

“We are pleased to offer area residents these screenings, and to give our students valuable hands-on learning experience and a better understanding of the important role they play in improving the health of our community,” said Patterson.