BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, September 11, 2024: Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek brimmed with activity on August 18, 2024, as participants of the SEWA and GAPI 5K run/walk raced for the finish line, for a cause.
“It was an exhilarating day at the SEWA and GAPI 5K run/walk!” President GAPI 2024-25, Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, MD, FACC, said.
The event, primarily organized by Care Bridge Initiative, spearheaded by Suma Gangasani, in collaboration with SEWA, aimed to raise funds for clinic patients requiring assistance with lab work. Suma Gangasani and Gowri Krishnan were instrumental in organizing the event, with the help of GAPI and SEWA volunteers. This crucial background work helped ensure the event’s success.
The event kicked off with an electrifying Zumba session and a dynamic warm-up that had everyone energized and ready to hit the course. As participants crossed the finish line, they were greeted with breakfast, which included idly, sambar, upma, chai, and more. Mr. Parmesh “Bob” Erramilli, Post 3/ City Council Member, Johns Creek, Mr. Dilip Tunki, Post 1 / Mayor Pro Tem,Johns Creek, and Mr. Alfred John, Forsyth County Commissioner addressed the event.
”Thanks to the incredible support from our community, volunteers, and sponsors, $25,000 was raised for the cause! These funds will directly support affordable diagnostics and prescriptions at the SEWA GAPI free clinic, serving underprivileged communities across the Atlanta Metro area”, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani said. Dr. Gangasani is the BOT chair of GAPI 24-25 and the director of GAPI Free clinic. The generosity, donations, and community involvement made this event a resounding success. Together, GAPI and SEWA are making a lasting impact on healthcare accessibility, Dr. Medepalli and Dr. Gangasani noted.
The GAPI free clinic operates on the FIRST and THIRD Saturday of each month, between 1 pm – 4 pm at the Global Mall for people with no Insurance and low income. Free Primary care consultation is available for the family. Services Available at the clinic include Dentist consultation, Minimal cost for lab work, Discounted rate for medications and Flu shots (in season) and Referral to Specialists at a discounted fee. The clinic is located inside the Global Mall, Suite 736.
The IACA Festival of India 2024, held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Gas South Center in Duluth, GA, was a grand success. As part of India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations, GAPI took the lead in sponsoring and supporting the health fair, with several physicians actively participating to contribute to community health. The event saw volunteer confirmations from various specialties, including cardiology, psychiatry, nephrology, dentistry, ophthalmology, ENT, internal medicine, gastroenterology, pulmonary and sleep, hematology/oncology, rheumatology, physiotherapy, urology, vascular surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, and obesity lifestyle medicine. GAPI collaborated with local institutions to provide essential health services such as EKG procedures, carotid screenings, and ABI. The GAPI Community Outreach Health Fairs Committee for 2024-2025, comprising Dr. Indira Menon, Dr. Namita Pareek, Dr. Neelima Kothari, Dr. Sujatha Reddy, and Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, played a pivotal role in organizing this successful event. “What an excellent team and a truly collaborative effort”. Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, MD, President GAPI 24-25 said.
