PHSU Connects Underserved St. Louis Families with Health and Wellness Resources Through 2025 Community Health Fair
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) hosted its annual Community Health and Wellness Fair at the Youth and Family Center in North St. Louis, delivering vital care and back-to-school support to families in North St. Louis—many of whom continue to face the compounded challenges of poverty, health disparities, and the aftermath of the recent tornado that impacted the area.
The fair brought together more than 20 local organizations, the City of St. Louis Department of Health, and nonprofit partners to meet the immediate and long-term needs of this underserved community. Families received free health screenings, wellness education, and essential resources, while children took home clear backpacks, school supplies, and wellness activity kits to start the school year strong.
Addressing Health Disparities Through Community Partnerships
Health disparities remain a critical issue in North St. Louis, where access to preventative care and educational resources is often limited. This year’s fair aimed to close those gaps by connecting residents to free screenings, disease prevention education, and ongoing support services.
"This health fair ia about more than just one day, it's about building an enduring relationship within the community we are proud to be apart of. It's about removing barriers to care and reminding our neighbors that they are never alone in that fight," said Annessa Blackmun, DPM, PHSU–STL Faculty. "We are committed to educating community-focused healthcare providers who understand that pairing education with support, transparency, and resilience is essential. Together, these efforts help us partner in reducing health disparities."
The City of St. Louis Department of Health provided on-site STD education and HIV testing, while medical providers like Affinia Healthcare, Mercy Hospital, and Vivent Health offered screenings and preventive care. Partners such as Bridge to Abilities, Paraquad, and St. Louis Arc focused on accessibility and family resources, while Known & Grown STL and Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry addressed food security and healthy eating.
45+ PHSU Volunteers Serving the Community
The event was powered by over 45 dedicated PHSU volunteers, primarily students alongside faculty and staff, who played a hands-on role in performing vital sign checks—such as glucose, blood pressure, and heart rate—and guiding families through available resources. Their involvement reflected PHSU’s commitment to training healthcare professionals who not only excel clinically but also understand the importance of community engagement.
Hope and Healing After the Tornado
For families still recovering from the recent tornado, the fair provided not only tangible support but also a sense of solidarity. The presence of city agencies, nonprofits, and academic partners underscored a unified effort to help residents rebuild, recover, and thrive.
As attendees left with school supplies, fresh resources, and renewed connections, the event stood as a testament to what’s possible when institutions and communities come together in times of need.
El sábado 26 de julio de 2025, Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) llevó a cabo su feria anual de Salud y Bienestar Comunitario en el Youth and Family Center, en el norte de St. Louis, ofreciendo atención vital y apoyo para el regreso a clases a familias que continúan enfrentando los desafíos combinados de la pobreza, las disparidades en la salud y las secuelas del reciente tornado que afectó la zona.
La feria reunió a más de 20 organizaciones locales, al Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de St. Louis y a diversos socios sin fines de lucro para atender las necesidades inmediatas y a largo plazo de esta comunidad desatendida. Las familias recibieron exámenes de salud gratuitos, educación en bienestar y recursos esenciales, mientras que los niños se llevaron mochilas transparentes, útiles escolares y kits de actividades de bienestar para comenzar el año escolar con éxito.
Abordando las Disparidades de Salud a Través de Alianzas Comunitarias
Las disparidades en salud siguen siendo un problema crítico en el norte de St. Louis, donde el acceso a la atención preventiva y a los recursos educativos suele ser limitado. La feria de este año buscó cerrar esas brechas conectando a los residentes con exámenes gratuitos, educación sobre prevención de enfermedades y servicios de apoyo continuos.
“Esta feria de salud es más que un solo día, se trata de construir una relación duradera dentro de la comunidad de la que estamos orgullosos de ser parte. Se trata de eliminar barreras para la atención y recordar a nuestros vecinos que nunca están solos en esa lucha,” dijo Annessa Blackmun, DPM, profesora de PHSU–STL. “Estamos comprometidos a formar proveedores de salud enfocados en la comunidad, que entienden que combinar educación con apoyo, transparencia y resiliencia es esencial. Juntos, estos esfuerzos nos ayudan a reducir las disparidades en salud.”
El Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de St. Louis ofreció educación sobre ETS y pruebas de VIH en el lugar, mientras que proveedores médicos como Affinia Healthcare, Mercy Hospital y Vivent Health brindaron exámenes y atención preventiva. Organizaciones como Bridge to Abilities, Paraquad y St. Louis Arc se enfocaron en recursos de accesibilidad y apoyo familiar, mientras que Known & Grown STL y Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry abordaron la seguridad alimentaria y la alimentación saludable.
Más de 45 Voluntarios de PHSU al Servicio de la Comunidad
El evento contó con la participación de más de 45 voluntarios de PHSU, en su mayoría estudiantes, junto con profesores y personal, quienes desempeñaron un papel activo realizando controles de signos vitales—como glucosa, presión arterial y frecuencia cardíaca—y guiando a las familias a través de los recursos disponibles. Su participación reflejó el compromiso de PHSU de formar profesionales de la salud que no solo se destaquen clínicamente, sino que también comprendan la importancia del compromiso comunitario.
Esperanza y Sanación Después del Tornado
Para las familias que aún se recuperan del reciente tornado, la feria proporcionó no solo apoyo tangible, sino también un sentido de solidaridad. La presencia de agencias de la ciudad, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y socios académicos destacó un esfuerzo unificado para ayudar a los residentes a reconstruir, recuperarse y prosperar.
A medida que los asistentes se retiraban con útiles escolares, nuevos recursos y conexiones renovadas, el evento se erigió como un testimonio de lo que es posible cuando las instituciones y las comunidades se unen en tiempos de necesidad.
| Vendors | Specialty Area |
| Affinia Healthcare | Medical Services + Health Education |
| Alzheimer's Association | Senior Health & Aging |
| Arch Well Health | Senior Health & Aging |
| Bridge to Abilities | Disability/ Accessibility Resources + Health Kits |
| Crown Insurance Agency | Financial Literacy |
| DRIVECredit | Financial Literacy |
| Dedicated Senior Medical Center | Senior Health & Aging |
| Department of Health STD program | Sexual Health Education/ Disease Prevention |
| Department of Health HIV Van | Sexual Health Education/ Disease Prevention |
| Devoted Health Plans | Senior Health & Aging |
| Flora Milou | Emotional Wellness |
| Known & Grown STL | Nutrition & Health Eating |
| Leong Chiropractic and Wellness | Posture Screenings |
| Mercy Hospital | Eye Exams |
| Metropolitain St. Louis Sewer District | Utility Assistance |
| Oak Street Health | Senior Health & Aging |
| Paraquad | Disability/ Accessibility Resources |
| Proficient Chiropractic | Stress Management/ Nutrition |
| Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry | Nutrition & Healthy Eating/ Food Assistance |
| Rx Outreach | Disease Prevention & Management |
| St. Louis Arc | Family/ Parenting Resources |
| Stop the Bleed | First Aid/ Emergency Preparedness |
| Vivent Health | Sexual Health Education/ Disease Prevention |
| Women & Infant Center BJC | Women/Infant Health Education |