The initiative brought together clinical, educational, and preventive resources to promote the overall well-being of students, employees, and the Santurce community.
By Brenda Figueroa Gómez
Journalism Student
In a joint effort, the School of Health and Sciences and the Office of Organizational Development and Human Resources held a Health Fair with the goal of bringing medical services and preventive guidance closer to the university community and residents of Santurce.
The event featured offerings aimed at students, employees, and community visitors alike, including vaccinations, STI screenings, vital signs clinics, and educational workshops covering topics ranging from mental health to emergency management and first aid.
“The goal of this fair is for our faculty, students, and guests to be able to find accessible health services in one place,” said Dr. Bianca Valdés, dean of the School of Health and Sciences.
Similarly, the Office of Organizational Development and Human Resources (DORH, per its acronym in Spanish) highlighted the importance of the event in transforming the quality of life of the university’s employees. “The Health Fair is not just an event; it is an initiative that reflects Sagrado’s commitment to its employees by providing experiences that promote their physical well-being and overall development,” said Soraya Alsina Pomales, Chief Officer of DORH.
The focus on holistic health was also reflected in the offering of workshops related to the impact of nature on quality of life. Athlete, gardener, and motivational speaker Douglas Candelario led the workshop Your Inner Garden, focused on food security and the role agriculture plays in both individual and collective health. The session included tips for creating a home garden as a tool to strengthen the connection between cultivation and the food consumed daily.
Event logistics included private spaces to ensure participants’ confidentiality during processes such as blood donation and blood testing.
The fair also represented an opportunity for learning and service for nursing students, who offered basic clinics as part of their practical training.
The Health Fair is part of the institutional commitment to the overall well-being of Sagrado’s community, including employees. Through this type of initiative, not only is access to medical services promoted, but also preventive education and health guidance for a better quality of life within the university environment and surrounding communities.