August 8, 2003 — University of Utah medical and nursing students and faculty members will provide a variety of free services to low-income patients at the C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance and Resource Event) Fair Aug. 14-16 in Salt Lake City.

“There’s a tremendous need for health care in our community and we’re happy to help answer that need,” said Marc E. Babitz, M.D., associate professor and director of Student Programs in Family Medicine for the School of Medicine’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.

Babitz said this is the largest health-care event in the state with more than 4,000 people attending last year. Most patients who attend have little or no insurance coverage. U volunteers examined 740 patients at last year’s fair.

This year, about 60 students and eight faculty members from the medical school will give free physical exams, including tests required by the schools for children.

“This is a great learning experience for our students,” said Babitz. “Moreover, they get a chance to interact with patients from all kinds of cultural backgrounds.”

Tracy Call-Schmidt, assistant professor in the College of Nursing, said 17 nursing students and four faculty members will provide free breast exams at the fair. Residents from the University’s John A. Moran Eye Center will offer vision and glaucoma screenings, while dental residents will provide free dental checkups.

The Junior League of Salt Lake City sponsors the annual C.A.R.E. Fair. The U has participated in the event since 1996. This year’s fair will be held at the Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, 1234 South Main St., Salt Lake City. Hours are 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Aug. 14 (Thursday); noon-8 p.m., Aug. 15 (Friday); and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 16 (Saturday).