Background:

Access to preventive health services and education remains a persistent challenge in underserved communities. A community health fair was organized to support public health outreach and foster community-based initiatives. The event aimed to bridge health resource gaps by connecting individuals to services and information in a culturally sensitive and accessible manner.

Objectives:

• Increase awareness of preventive health measures among community members.

• Connect attendees to local health and social service resources.

• Provide free health screenings and educational materials to promote wellness.

• Create opportunities for medical students to engage in service learning.

Design:

The health fair was held on April 19, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM in Southeast San Diego. The event featured multiple booths staffed by student volunteers and community health workers offering services such as blood pressure and glucose screenings, BMI assessments, nutrition education, mental health resources, and information on insurance enrollment. The target population included residents of surrounding neighborhoods, with a focus on under-resourced communities. Promotional efforts included social media outreach, printed flyers in local businesses, and collaboration with community leaders.

Impact/Effectiveness:

The event welcomed over 70 community members. Attendees reported increased awareness of local health resources and expressed appreciation for the fair’s accessible and welcoming format. Volunteers also reported high levels of satisfaction and a greater understanding of community health needs.

Lessons Learned:

Key challenges included logistical coordination, budget, and managing turnout. However, effective collaboration with local partners and meaningful engagement between students and attendees were notable successes. Adaptability and clear communication among organizers were essential to the event’s success.

Summary:

This community-centered health fair proved to be an effective model for delivering preventive health education and services directly to underserved populations. Best practices included fostering strong community partnerships, incorporating culturally responsive planning, and integrating student involvement into service learning. Future directions include expanding to multiple sites, collecting longitudinal data on community impact, and deepening relationships with local organizations.