New Year Begins with Community Care

By Office of the President | Jan 28, 2025

Kudos to the fantastic students and staff who helped kick off 2025 with a powerful example of service and care! Downstate’s Center for Community Health Promotion and Wellness, in collaboration with the Chinese American Medical Society Student Club, College of Medicine, School of Public Health, and Brooklyn Free Clinic, hosted a Community Health and Wellness Fair at Holy Cross R.C. Church last week.

Students working with Betty Jung, RN, provided essential health services, including free flu vaccines, blood pressure screenings, BMI measurements, and diabetes risk assessments. They delivered vital health education on topics like weight management, stroke awareness, and diabetes prevention—all in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole—to the diverse groups of participants. This event allowed our students to engage with residents, develop their skills, and embody the core values of Downstate’s mission.

I extend a huge THANK YOU to the volunteers who made this event a success, including Medical Students Rida Ahmed, Micaiah Atkins, Rachel Ball-Jones, Aliyah Kenn De Jesus, Maria Farag, Stella Johnson-Vives, Jesse Ortiz, Juhi Thomas, and Michael Zheng; Nursing Student Diana Wu (ABSN); School of Public Health Students, Tatyana Estanislas, Haran Mercury, Christine Sajous, and Jailene Urena; and Volunteer Department, Melissa Rojas.

Your efforts ensure everyone feels cared for and empowered to take steps toward better health. I encourage you to keep up the great work!