The Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP) Collaborative at UC Irvine hosted its Second Annual Community Health Fair on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Second Baptist Church (SBC) in Santa Ana. This year’s event saw significant growth, with attendance increasing by approximately 20% to nearly 240 participants.
The fair offered an expanded range of health screenings and services, including blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks, as well as new additions such as a vaccination information station, pediatric safety and emergency preparedness, and an alternative and complementary medicine booth. Notably, the event introduced stations focused on dermatology, public health, dental health and an “Ask the Researcher” booth, showcasing UC Irvine’s commitment to comprehensive community health care. Additionally, seminars on breast and prostate cancer were offered, providing valuable information on these critical health topics.
This year’s fair demonstrated strong interdisciplinary collaboration, with 46 student volunteers and 13 faculty facilitators from all four schools within the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences (COHS), the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and UCI Health. Community partners, including Crescent Health Free Clinics, UC Master Gardeners and the Alzheimer’s Society of OC, among others, contributed to the event’s success.
The impact of the event was profound, as evidenced by the following statement from an SBC representative: “From the moment you arrived, it was clear that this was more than just a health event. You brought care, knowledge and compassion to every person who walked through the doors. For many, it was their first time getting preventative care in YEARS. For others, it was the encouragement they needed to start taking their health seriously. And you did it with warmth and respect – it did not go unnoticed.”
From the moment you arrived, it was clear that this was more than just a health event. You brought care, knowledge and compassion to every person who walked through the doors. For many, it was their first time getting preventative care in YEARS. For others, it was the encouragement they needed to start taking their health seriously. And you did it with warmth and respect – it did not go unnoticed.
Representative from Second Baptist Church
This event was organized, and led by Nana Entsuah-Boateng, PharmD, assistant faculty director for the IPEP Collaborative, and assistant clinical professor at the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. Entsuah-Boateng stated, “This health fair embodies UC Irvine’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare education and services to our local community. The increased attendance and expanded services offered this year reflect our growing impact in response to the growing needs of the community. There is strong momentum to establish this as an annual event.”
The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our faculty facilitators, staff and IPEP student assistant:
- Nana Entsuah-Boateng, PharmD, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Paola German, DNP, Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
- Jocelyn Ludlow, PhD, RN, Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
- Alisa Wray, MD, School of Medicine
- David Timberlake, PhD, Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
- Arvin Jenab, ND, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute
- Shelley Burke, DNP, MSN, RN, Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
- Karen Lincoln, PhD, Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
- Bryan Gaines, DSW, Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
- Ashley Cheri, EdD, School of Education
- Alondra Garcia Bedolla, School of Education
- Melvin Seard, MD, UCI Health Center for Urological Care
- Erin H Lin, DO, UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Kara McBride, MA, Manager, Research & Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Health Affairs
- Crystal Camarena, Event Coordinator, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Health Affairs
- Chika Mbonu, IPEP Student Assistant and Master’s Entry Program in Nursing Student
This year’s Community Health Fair highlights UC Irvine’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. As the event continues to grow, it promises to play an increasingly vital role in promoting health awareness and providing valuable services to the Santa Ana community.
Photos From the Event
