The College of Health Professions at Texas State University hosted the “Pathways to Care for Adults 60+” health fair at the San Marcos Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 1.
The event was a powerful demonstration of what can be accomplished when research, education and community outreach come together. With a focus on adults over 60, the event seamlessly bridged academic expertise and community need, showing the true impact of collaboration in improving public health outcomes.
The turnout was remarkable, as community members gathered to receive vital health screenings and information. Participants received screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health, hearing and cognition, balance and risk of falling and pulmonary health.
Faculty dedication was on full display throughout the day, with screenings delivered one after another by a team whose professionalism and compassion set a high standard. Special appreciation goes to Gloria Park, Ph.D., Ranjini Mohan, Ph.D., Ahyoung Song, Ph.D., Keya Sen, Ph.D., Zo Ramamonjiarivelo, Ph.D., Kevin Collins, Ph.D., and Arzu Ari, Ph.D., TSUS Regents’ Professor and associate dean for research, whose tireless commitment exemplified academic service to community health.
Critical to the event’s success were 11 community partners, each providing essential services and resources that expanded the event’s reach and value. The steady support of the Translational Health Research Center (THRC) and the San Marcos Public Library was foundational. These organizations' partnerships from the earliest planning stages helped create a welcoming, resource-rich event environment.
Special acknowledgement is due to Sen, who led the project, coordinating efforts with grace and skill, and to Melinda Villagran, Ph.D., director of the THRC, whose continued support is pivotal to embedding research-driven service in TXST outreach.
No summary of the day would be complete without recognizing the energy and teamwork of the College of Health Professions students who volunteered: Kanchan Shakya, Yousef Kanjee, Kanchan Bhattarai, Cyana Garley, Alejandra Mendoza Torres, Puja Singh and Toni Morales. Their compassion and enthusiasm helped make the event accessible and friendly, embodying the next generation of health professionals committed to community welfare.
Together, all of these efforts yielded real impact—improving health knowledge, facilitating access to care and building bridges that will strengthen the College of Health Professions’ connection with the community long into the future.