By: Yasmine Malone | March 30, 2026
Clarksdale, Mississippi– On March 26, 2026, Coahoma Community College hosted a campus-wide health event at the Student Union, offering free health resources to students and staff. Attendees received rapid HIV testing, blood pressure screenings, blood sugar checks, BMI calculations, and access to mental health resources, all provided free of charge by several community organizations.
The event was made possible through the leadership and coordination of Campus Nurse Dr. Kamesha Dukes, who played a pivotal role in ensuring its success. Reflecting on the impact of the event, Dukes shared, “This is very beneficial. A lot of college-aged students don’t have insurance, time, or transportation to seek medical services routinely. We are grateful to be able to make healthcare more accessible for CCC students and staff. It has allowed me to see a more holistic viewpoint of what it takes not only to provide healthcare but also to receive healthcare services. There are financial and social deterrents that prevent people from getting the care they need.”
Beyond providing immediate care, the event also served as a platform to highlight the work of the college’s Health Science Department. Aneika Moore, Health Sciences Student Navigator, emphasized the importance of events like these in showcasing student skills while serving the community. She noted that such opportunities allow students to apply what they have learned in real-world settings while helping participants stay informed about their personal health and available resources.
“Events such as this are beneficial because they showcase the skills students are learning while allowing participants to be aware of their personal vitals and have them checked,” Moore said. “It’s also important so people are aware of the things we can offer to the community.”
Coahoma Community College continues to build scholars with a strong foundation in healthcare, preparing students for careers that extend beyond the classroom. According to Head Nursing Instructor Terri Williams, initiatives like this give students a chance to be seen in the community, apply learned skills to real-life practice, and build rapport with themselves, their peers, and the broader community. These efforts also help bridge the gap between the Health Science Department and the main campus—an area the college plans to prioritize moving forward.
Students also gained valuable clinical exposure through the event. Larissa Wright, an LPN, expressed confidence in her readiness for the field. “It is beneficial getting to see how to practice in the real world. I feel confident in my proficiency and ability to serve my patients as a new nurse,” Wright said.
Additional support services were provided through partnerships with community health leaders, including Mark Vortice and Laquita Terry, Ryan White HIV Awareness and Prevention Program representatives. These professionals offered education on HIV prevention, including PrEP information and medications, as well as free rapid HIV testing. Family planning services were also available, particularly for students without health insurance, with assistance provided for Medicaid applications. Attendees received hygiene products and educational materials in goody bags.
The services emphasized the importance of sexual health awareness, providing contraception such as condoms and information on prophylactic medications. Organizers stressed that this knowledge is valuable for all individuals, regardless of current sexual activity, as it contributes to lifelong health awareness and prevention.
Mental health resources were also a key component of the fair, with organizations such as Milestone Agency offering information about their services and support options.
The event reinforced a central message: know your status. By increasing access to essential health services and education, Coahoma Community College continues to take meaningful steps toward improving community health, empowering students, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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