Senior nursing students from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing will administer free flu and COVID-19 vaccines during a community health fair Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4916 High St. in Fort Smith.

Hosted by the Arkansas Minority Health Commission in partnership with the Sebastian County branch of the NAACP and Baptist Health, the event aims to expand access to essential health services in the River Valley. Nursing students will provide vaccinations under the clinical supervision of UAFS nursing faculty.

“This hands-on involvement enables students to apply essential skills in immunization, patient education and community health, while directly contributing to regional wellness efforts,” said Dr. Paula Julian, associate dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Sciences and executive director of the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing.

In addition to vaccine administration, students will engage in community outreach and patient education—key components of UAFS’s nursing curriculum designed to prepare graduates for real-world health care environments.

“By participating in this initiative, students enhance their clinical competence and professional confidence, while also helping to expand access to essential vaccinations, particularly in underserved areas,” Julian said. “Their participation highlights the crucial role that nursing professionals play in public health outreach and community engagement.”

The health fair will feature numerous health organizations and community partners, including the AARP, Area Agency on Aging, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Arkansas Prostate Foundation, Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency, Coleman Pharmacy, Comprehensive Juvenile Services, Don W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, La Raza Radio, Local Insurance Advisors, Mercy Community Health and Access, Sam's Club Optical, and Telemundo/Univision.

The event is free and open to the public.