Community Outreach

Our students, faculty and staff deliver essential health services, including screenings, vaccinations, and consultations, ensuring access to quality care for all. For more information about our community outreach initiatives or to get involved, visit the PHSU Wellness Center.

We host events and provide resources to reduce stigma and increase access to psychological services.

PHSU organizes health fairs, workshops, and seminars to educate the community on topics like nutrition, chronic disease management, and mental health.

We collaborate with educational institutions and local organizations to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and improve public health.

PHSU remains dedicated to supporting Puerto Rico through continuous disaster relief efforts, training, and community engagement. We strive to build a resilient community capable of facing future challenges with strength and preparedness.

The Outreach Educational Activity on Prostate Cancer (2024-2025) was conducted in three locations: Maunabo Municipality, the Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Las Piedras, and the Primary Health Care Center in Patillas. A total of ten educational workshops were held, reaching and impacting 75 men.

To support community engagement, a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was established, consisting of seven community leaders from Las Piedras, Patillas, and Maunabo. The committee met five times to discuss and guide the initiative.

Additionally, 95 participants benefited from prostate cancer screening services, and 33 individuals were referred for specialized follow-up care. The program also involved the participation of five PhD students, contributing to the research and outreach efforts.

We are dedicated to promoting oral health and education within our community through hands-on outreach initiatives. Our faculty and pre-dental students actively engage in service-learning experiences by providing oral evaluations, Department of Health certifications, and oral health education to diverse populations, including children, underserved families, and the elderly.

Through partnerships with organizations such as HeadStart Centers, Urban Strategies, the Down Syndrome Institute, and elderly care homes, we strive to increase access to oral healthcare, raise awareness about preventive care, and empower individuals with essential knowledge for maintaining good oral hygiene.

Between July 2023 and February 2025, our outreach efforts have directly impacted over 856 individuals, offering oral evaluations, health certifications, and educational workshops tailored to community needs. These activities not only enhance student learning but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community by addressing healthcare disparities and fostering a culture of service and compassion.

The Educational Activities on Cancer Prevention (2024-2025) took place across multiple locations in Puerto Rico, focusing on raising awareness and promoting preventive measures.

A series of health fairs and educational workshops were conducted in collaboration with Iglesias Bautistas de Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Public Health Trust, and various community wellness centers. These initiatives included family medicine and cancer prevention fairs, screening guidelines, and educational strategies for community health workers.

Key activities included:

• Health Fairs at locations such as Res. Padre Nazario (Public Housing in Guayanilla), Cámara de Representantes (Angel Fourquet), PHSU Student Lounge, Cancha Bajo Techo El Tuque, and Residencial Los Rosales.
• Educational Series (Salud: Serie de Charlas) on breast and prostate cancer prevention at Juana Díaz Wellness Center, Salinas Wellness Center, Teatro Hollywood Coamo, and Estancias Dorada.
• Community Engagement Initiatives, such as the "El Puente: Sobreviviendo al Cáncer" project by PHSU and Cancer 101-based workshops.
• Full project presentations at Comunidad Jaime L. Drew.

Through these combined efforts, a total of 570 individuals were impacted by cancer prevention education, screenings, and community engagement activities.

The Educational Activities on Chronic Medical Conditions (2024) aimed to promote health awareness and wellness through various community initiatives across Puerto Rico.

Key activities included:

• Health Fairs at Villa del Carmen (Ponce), Cancha Bajo Techo Comunidad Riberas del Bucaná (Ponce), Servicios del Distrito 24, and Culebra.
• PHSU Expo Salud 2024 in Ponce, providing health resources and screenings.
• Training in Basic Life Support (CPR) held in Ponce to equip participants with lifesaving skills.
• Workshops on Emotional and Physical Well-being, including "Managing Emotions and Interpersonal Relationships" in Juana Díaz and "Physical and Emotional Preparation for Hurricane Season Given Climate Change" in Ponce.
• Community Engagement Events, such as the Pasión y Lucha promotional table for the 5K Córrelo o Camínalo con Fe y Esperanza in Ponce.
• Zumbathon: Ven y Baila in Ponce, encouraging physical activity for overall health.

Through these initiatives, a total of 786 individuals were impacted, benefiting from health education, screenings, and wellness activities.

24 community members in Puerto Rico trained through the Community Research Program and Community Health Promotion Program, certified by PHSU.

The Community Engagement Activity marked the official opening of the Community Research Engagement Office (CREO) in 2025 at the PHSU Academic Tower.

A total of 52 attendees participated, including 37 representatives from community and faith-based organizations, as well as leaders from the municipalities of Salinas, Ponce, Juana Díaz, and Yauco. The event also brought together academic researchers and six PhD students from SBBS, fostering collaboration between the academic and community sectors.

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) proudly celebrates the success of its inaugural Mini Medical School (MMS) program 2023/24, a free, 10-session Saturday enrichment initiative designed to ignite a passion for health sciences among 4th-grade students. Launched during the 2023-24 academic program year, MMS emphasized diversity and inclusion, with 95% of participants coming from minority backgrounds. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and interactive experiences, students from University City and Jennings Public School Districts explored careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and other healthcare fields. With its first cohort paving the way, the program is set to continue its mission of fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals, with the second cohort running through May 2025. Learn More>>

The PHSU Health Fair (2023 & 2024), organized in partnership with a local alderman in St. Louis and led by MSMS and MD students, engaged hundreds of community participants, the vast majority of whom identified as Black or Hispanic. With a focus on reducing health disparities in these communities, the event provided essential healthcare education and services, including reproductive health and pregnancy resources, eye exams, vital sign and cardiovascular education, mammograms, and more.

Tu Salud Health Fair, hosted by Telemundo in partnership with a community event, offered free health services to attendees. The event included cholesterol screenings, blood pressure screenings, HIV testing, flu vaccines, and a medical expert panel. Additionally, there were kids' activities to engage families. PHSU contributed by providing health kits, which included dental care items and soaps, promoting overall wellness among participants.

The Venezuelan Association in Missouri Clothing Drive & Health Fair in St. Louis supported the refugee and immigrant community, particularly within the Hispanic population. Students, faculty, and staff collected and distributed winter coats to help individuals and families facing seasonal challenges.

In addition to clothing assistance, faculty and MD students provided vital sign screenings, including blood pressure and pulse checks, while educating participants on cardiovascular health and blood pressure readings. Attendees in need of further medical care were referred to a bilingual clinic at Mercy Hospital, ensuring accessible healthcare resources for refugees and immigrants, with a focus on addressing health disparities within these communities.

The Hispanic Festival as a financial sponsor, investing in the celebration and preservation of Hispanic culture in the St. Louis region. As part of our commitment, we not only contribute financially but also actively participate by providing vital sign screenings and educational materials to promote community health and wellness. The Hispanic Festival’s mission to enhance awareness of Hispanic musicians, dancers, artisans, and chefs aligns with our dedication to honoring cultural traditions and educating future generations. Through this partnership, we continue to strengthen our engagement with the Hispanic community, ensuring both cultural heritage and health education remain accessible and impactful.

The OB-GYN student group at PHSU, STL made a meaningful impact by collecting essential baby items and volunteering at the annual Community Baby Shower. This initiative, hosted in partnership with the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Saint Louis County Public Health Department, aimed to support expectant and new parents with resources, education, and healthcare access. Students played a key role in assembling and distributing donated baby essentials such as diapers, clothing, and infant care supplies to families in need.