Armor Correctional Health Services sponsored a health fair for conference attendees to promote staff health and wellness. Friendly, knowledgeable nurses and doctors from Armor were on hand to provide health screenings that included blood pressure and pulse readings; body mass index measures; and comprehensive metabolic and cholesterol blood tests. The blood tests were performed on fully automated machines called Piccolo chemistry analyzers, which are now in use at both Hillsborough County (FIa.) jails. The machines enable Armor, which provides health care to the jails, to quickly and accurately test the functioning of inmates' vital internal organs. Previously lab work would have to be sent out of a facility and it could take upwards of one day for basic results; with the Piccolo machines, the results are available within 15 minutes. HlNl vaccines were also offered to attendees.

Rosa McKinszy Cambridge, president of the Tampa chapter of the National Black Nurses Association, greeted visitors and passed out literature on blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and HIV testing. Health care goodies from Henry Schein Special Markets were available for attendees, including takeaway CDs of its product catalog.

The fair, which was open during exhibit hall hours, saw a steady flow of attendees receiving the screenings and picking up information. Nazim B. Hamid, Ph.D., medical discharge planner of Hillsborough County jails, said the turnout was encouraging and that it indicated a need for additional services that emphasized the importance of correctional staff taking the time to care for themselves. Hamid said that Armor hopes to continue to sponsor the fair at upcoming ACA conferences.