HEALTHY CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN: AN ACT OF SOLIDARITY

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The Healthy Christmas campaign was conducted in December, driven by the Christmas spirit and solidarity. The action assisted the poorest areas in Goiania, both in material goods and in access to health. The objective was to collect toys, food and clothing to help underprivileged families. METHODS: The campaign was organized by medical students members of IFMSA Brazil and was promoted by posters in college and on social networks and there were two collection points for donations. The distribution of grants was made in three places: at the Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, where people were assisted by medical and biomedical students and underwent anthropometric assessment, blood-pressure and blood glucose measurement and also received food and toys; at the Sanitary Landfill in Aparecida de Goiania and at the Residential JK, where food, clothes and toys were distributed. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: More than 50 families (approximately 150 people) were assisted and received health promotion regarding obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Those with high blood pressure or high blood glucose were instructed to seek medical attention. Finally, the experience allowed the personal and professional growth of the medical and biomedical students involved in the campaign and managed to remind us how important and special is to do an act of solidarity on a date that is this pure feeling.