Screening at Branford CT

On August 4th 2018, The Society of Nepalese in America (SNA) in conjunction with Sacred Heart University DPT Program conducted a Physical Therapy Screening Program in Branford, CT. The purpose of the event was to provide a free comprehensive screening that would determine and treat patients who had lower back issues, but would also provide a through medical wellness checkup as a component of the screening to the Nepalese community in Branford, CT. This program is the very first health benefit program hosted in the community.

The program was organized by Mrs. Shradha Rana who herself was attending Sacred Heart studying in the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (PT) Program. Through conversations with her professors, advisors and faculty she was able to secure the support of Sacred Heart University. They were able to coordinate with Mr. Ram Shrestha, president of SNA to organize the logistics of the event as well as manage the coordination among different parties. She says, “without whom this event would not have been possible.”

The event took place Saturday August 4th at the Days Inn Conference Hall at 375 E Main St, Branford, CT. The use of the hall was generously given by Mr. Heeran Chapatwala. Overall, despite very inclement weather the program was a great success drawing over 43 individuals throughout the course of five hours. The event was attended by 4 clinicians - Physical Therapist to supervised 6 third year DPT students who all volunteered from Sacred Heart University.

During the session, the patients were given a full medical evaluation by medical volunteers managed by Medical student Mr. Abhishek Thakur from the Quinnipiac University, School of Medicine and supervised by Ms. Nisha Rana, MPAS, PA-C from Midstate Hospital. This was to evaluate the general baseline health status of individuals. After collecting this information, they were either allowed entry to the PT screening or where evaluated for further issues. There were also more than 20 most capable youth volunteers from the community who donated their time and effort for this health program.

The program was a great success, with over 45 individuals registered and more than 43 screened.

Many of these individuals had not had proper medical screening in quite some time, either due to the lack of resources or other hardships. For many, this was the first medical screening they had in over five years. The feedback received from the Sacred Heart DPT program and the SNA community has facilitated the discussion for hosting more of these collaborative efforts in the future.

By Mrs. Shradha Rana