The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS) at Wayne State University (WSU) is opening its doors to the metropolitan Detroit community for Community Apple Days - a Health, Wellness and Career Fair. The fair will be held from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 30 (Wednesday).

"The event is designed to be a comprehensive, multigenerational and interdisciplinary educational experience," said Mary K. Clark, PhD, assistant dean of EACPHS Student Affairs. "Our students are organizing an action-packed, fun-filled, fast-paced extravaganza to raise awareness of rewarding careers in the health sciences, while promoting healthy lifestyles through good nutrition, physical fitness, and disease prevention."

Community Apple Days is an outreach event to increase community awareness and diversity of applicants in the health sciences by showcasing the College, its students, and community partnerships.

At the core of the fair are "hands on" workshops focusing on job responsibilities and skills of the health professionals who earn degrees in one of 12 health sciences careers, which are offered at the College. These programs include physical and occupational therapy, clinical laboratory science, radiologic technology, radiation therapy technology, pathologists' assistant, mortuary science, physician assistant, nurse anesthesia, forensic investigation, and pharmacy.

Local hospitals, pharmacies, occupational and physical therapy companies and other employers in the health professions will showcase their services and discuss career opportunities in their respective fields. "We are pleased to offer free blood sugar testing, flu vaccinations, HIV testing, and diabetes education provided by our community partners, including CVS, Kroger, the University Pharmacy at Wayne State, and Walgreens," Clark said. In addition, participants will be able to speak with WSU representatives from admissions, financial aid, advising, veteran's affairs, disability services and other University support services.

"We welcome the curious, those looking for career alternatives, prospective students and those just wanting to change to a healthier lifestyle. We want to make this health, wellness and career fair an exciting and informative experience," Clark said.

During the event, the American Red Cross also will conduct a Blood Drive. "The need is so great," Clark said. "As a pharmacy and health sciences college, we are pleased to serve as a blood donation site during the health fair."

Community Apple Days is an outgrowth of the College's Apple Days. Begun in 2008, this career education and early exposure program reaches out to Detroit middle and high school students. Twice a year, the College hosts approximately 90 students and their counselors to learn about EACPHS health career programs through hands-on demonstrations and instructional lectures presented by students and faculty.

Wayne State's Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is located at 259 Mack Ave at John R. Entrance to the building is on Brady Street at John R and across from the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM).