Wellness Meets Family Fun at Downstate’s Signature Health Fair
By Office of the President | Sep 23, 2025
University Hospital Physicians teamed up with NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie to transform the campus into a lively hub of health, wellness, and fun at the fourth annual Healthy Lifestyle Fair and Family Day, drawing families together–from kids to dads, neighbors, and patients of all ages–for a day blending essential health resources with a vibrant and fun community celebration.
This year’s event emphasized men’s and children’s health, ensuring every family member found something engaging, informative, and uplifting. Four themed pavilions created a festival-like atmosphere where health and fun went hand in hand:
- The Men’s Pavilion provided education from the Downstate Free Clinic and the Arthur Ashe Institute, AVERT active shooter and CPR training, grooming services, weight training, and recruitment opportunities with University Police.
- The Children’s Pavilion provided pediatric screenings, backpack safety education from Occupational Therapy students, school bags and supplies, plus plenty of games and a bouncy house to make learning about health fun.
- The Older Adults Pavilion focused on wellness visits paired with yoga, dance, nutrition, and sleep sessions, encouraging seniors to embrace health actively and joyfully.
- As the central hub, the Main Pavilion featured health screenings, cooking demonstrations, giveaways, and more than a dozen community, government, and wellness vendors. Downstate’s College of Nursing and School of Health Professions also showcased educational opportunities in healthcare careers.
The celebration centered on health and recognizing individuals and programs who embody the true spirit of service at Downstate. It also reflected the institution’s commitment to #KeepCareClose for the communities we serve. This year’s honorees included:
- Carla Boutin-Foster, M.D., MSc., Associate Vice President for Diversity Education & Research, who received The James Mahoney, M.D., Hero Award for her exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical education and research–work that directly strengthens Downstate’s mission to #KeepCareClose in underserved communities.
- The STAR Program received the Dellon Angel Service Excellence Award for its longstanding commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and innovative care to communities impacted by HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions, ensuring that patients can rely on expert care without leaving their neighborhoods, an essential example of how we #KeepCareClose in action.
Special Recognition Awards were also presented to:
- Mudar Dalloul, M.D., Interim Chair and Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Steven Liverpool, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Family and Community Medicine - Juliet Green, Psy.D., MHA, C-TAGME, Medical Education Systems Manager, Office of Graduate Medical Education
- Alishia Goodridge, MBA, Assistant Vice President of Government & Community Relations
A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and partners who made the day possible. Your energy and dedication are the heartbeat of Downstate’s mission to keep care close.
Photo credit(s): SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and Stanley Ligon
Tags: Keep Care Close, Health Fair