Pharmacology in the Wild

“Oh, these right here? Imma need me some of those. Protection is key” With our encouragement, the man grabbed a handful of condoms, followed by a couple of more delicately selected insurance rubbers. “Sir, could we also interest you in…” We rapidly pitched our wares that day: low cost family dental plans, Medicare healthcare coordination, free STD checkups, free first aid courses, free granola bars; honestly not a bad haul for a Thursday morning. The gentleman was content with condoms, but assured us he’d tell his friends to stop by. Representatives from health care related organizations around New Orleans, some first year students at Tulane Med, and I had gathered to put on a health fair! People were largely attracted to our offers of free granola and water, but many were simply interested in what services we were providing. The health fair, named the Elk Place Health Spot , takes place at one of the busiest transit stops in the city, providing a vital opportunity to bring heal