With the goal of enhancing health awareness and promoting optimal wellness within the indigenous community, the Health Services Unit-Medical Clinic of Saint Louis University (SLU) initiated the outreach activity entitled SLU Health Fair: “KKK: Kalusugan at Kapatiran sa Komunidad” on 25 May 2024 at Happy Hallow Barangay, Baguio City.
The outreach activity was conducted in response to the Rapid Rural Appraisal spearheaded by the Community Extension and Outreach Programs Office (CEOPO) at Happy Hallow Barangay on 18 March 2023, which was attended by representatives of the different SLU offices/units and Schools. After engaging into a focused-group discussion, concerns were raised regarding increasing demand for mental health awareness.
The SLU Administrative Cluster (Health Services Unit, Center for Counseling and Wellness, Human Resources Department, Office of Student Affairs and Services, Center for Sports and Development, Student Residence Hall, Campus Planning, Maintenance, and Security Department, Center for Culture and the Arts, Office for Legal Affairs, Data Privacy Office) headed by Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced, SLU Vice President for Administration, worked hand-in-hand in bringing the activity into fruition. The Happy Hallow proposed outreach activity in response to the initial Rapid Rural Appraisal was followed up by SLU CEOPO director to HSU-MEC head around 1st week of May 2024. HSU-MEC accepted the challenge and pursued the planning including a request for approval from the SLU Administration which occurred in the 2nd week of May 2024. The preparation and budget approval ran for 2 weeks.
The outreach activity was a success in terms of fulfilling its objective in serving the indigenous community of Happy Hallow Barangay. The program had an estimate of almost 300 participants, 252 registrants, and catered the following services: BP checking, UACR kidney function assay, ECG, CBG (Blood sugar testing), Psychological consultation, Dental check-up and extraction, Optical, Chiropractic/Massage/ Acupuncture, Food prepared were also extended to serve at least 120 delegates.
The essence of this outreach activity was to deliver essential health services to the community, with significant involvement from the SLU Administrative Cluster. This initiative aligned with Laudato Si Goals 2 (Cry for the Poor) and 7 (Community Participation), as well as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). With the success of this outreach program, the Health Services Unit-Medical Clinic aims to further foster greater Louisian Community participation in future events.
