UAMS to Offer Free Health Screenings for Truck Drivers

Ashley Ketz Staff Writer

5:18 PM CDT, October 9, 2009

UAMS to Offer Free Health Screenings for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers spend endless hours behind the wheel and checking up on health problems, usually isn't a top priority. That's why the UAMS College of Pharmacy is hitting Arkansas' interstates this weekend.

Their goal is to target what they call an "underserved patient population" by offering free health screenings. Saturday, October 10th kicks off Interstate Challenge, an event organizers hope will one day be available for truck drivers across the nation. Licensed pharmacists will be screening for blood pressure and diabetes, as well as providing heartburn education.

Locally, truck drivers can pull off I-40 and get screened for free at the Love's in Ozark, off exit 37. The screenings will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Other locations include the Love's in North Little Rock (Exit 161 off I-40) and the Flying J (Exit 7 off I-30) in Texarkana. Organizers say the event is open to everyone, not just truck drivers.