Clarkston Library Hosts School of Nursing Health Fair
By Alvin R. Blount
Nurses play a vital role in nearly every stage of life, from early childhood vaccinations to routine checkups and complex medical procedures. Their expertise supports patients in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and increasingly through virtual care.
Georgia State University’s Clarkston Campus is proud to be home to one of the state’s leading nursing degree programs. As a learning and engagement librarian, Alvin Blount has had the privilege of working closely with nursing students through bibliographic instruction sessions offered each semester. These students complete clinical rotations throughout the metro Atlanta area, and many spend long hours in the Clarkston Library preparing for exams, researching assignments, and collaborating with peers. Their strong connection to the library made it a natural fit for Blount to partner with their department head and faculty to host a student-led health fair.
This spring semester, nursing students dressed in their red and white uniforms and equipped with clinical tools welcomed Clarkston students, faculty, and staff to a comprehensive health fair on the library’s main floor. The event aimed to promote wellness across campus while giving students valuable hands-on experience in patient education and assessment.
“Hosting the health fair in the library fostered meaningful team collaboration and strong student engagement. It was wonderful to witness the interaction between nursing students and other students across the Clarkston campus. While nursing students are often engaged in community settings or acute care facilities, this opportunity allowed them to collaborate on campus in a shared academic space,” said Assistant Professor Nancy Williams.
Participants visited stations offering information and screenings related to smoking and vaping, blood pressure, vision, body mass index (BMI), sleep habits, exercise, and other wellness topics. The students demonstrated professionalism, confidence, and care as they guided attendees through each assessment. Alvin was pleased to have his own blood pressure checked, which was in a healthy range, and he learned at the BMI station that he had even lost a few pounds.
“Partnering with the library, an invaluable resource for nursing education, proved to be extremely valuable for student learning and interdisciplinary connection. We greatly appreciate the library’s support and collaboration in making this event a success,” said Williams.
This collaboration with nursing faculty members Mrs. Freeman and Mrs. Williams was a tremendous success. Blount looks forward to hosting future events that highlight the expertise and dedication of the nursing students. Their commitment to the profession was evident throughout the fair, and it is clear that these future healthcare providers are well prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Clarkston Campus is proud of its nursing program and grateful for the opportunity to support student learning while promoting library resources and wellness within the community.