Hindu Temple of Canton leaders, inspired after their spring health fair delivered free care to hundreds of people, already have indicated they will offer a similar event next year.
“We want to help people change their lifestyle for the better so they can be healthier,” said Jatin Desai, a health fair organizer.
The latest numbers are in and Hindu Temple officials said more than 300 patients received free medical consultations April 30 – the second phase of the 12th annual fair – from 67 volunteer doctors from the Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, or MAPI, along with Oakwood Hospital-Wayne health care volunteers.
Patients saw primary care physicians, cardiologists, dentists, pharmacists, nutritionists and other specialists as the Hindu Temple, MAPI and Oakwood finished an effort to help people who might otherwise delay health care they often can’t afford.
“Everything went very well,” Desai said.
The second phase came three weeks after nearly 250 people attended the first round of the free fair, which involved blood tests to detect potentially high cholesterol, blood sugar levels and other possible health concerns. Patients got their results April 30 at the Hindu Temple, on Cherry Hill east of Canton Center, along with advice for addressing any problems they might be facing.
Hindu Temple officials have continued to offer the fair even as the health care landscape is changing rapidly in Michigan and, indeed, across the nation due to the Affordable Care Act, which has drawn its share of supporters and critics alike.
Statistics have indicated more than 260,000 Michigan residents have chosen health care plans under federal reforms. According to Census Bureau estimates, 1.1 million Michigan residents lacked health insurance in 2012.
Officials such as Don Hazaert, director of Michigan Consumers for Healthcare, a coalition of health-related organizations, have said even with changes in health care, efforts such as that of the Hindu Temple still are needed to help local communities address gaps in care.
It appears Canton has done just that, considering hundreds of people showed up for this year’s fair, along with visitors such as Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer.
In coming years, the Hindu Temple hopes to place even more emphasis on helping area residents get the education they need to pursue a healthy lifestyle, Desai said.