Three Cities, One SMU Community

Emma Goodman
A group of eight nursing students and faculty, all in scrubs or white coats, stand together smiling behind a table covered with medical supplies, health education materials, and blood pressure cuffs. The event takes place in a gymnasium with other booths visible in the background.
Professor Emelyn Lacayo and SMU nursing students at Allen Temple Baptist Church for the Annual Holistic Health Fair

This past Saturday, August 9, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) proudly demonstrated the power of community engagement, as students, faculty, and staff from all three colleges fanned out across the Bay Area to participate in three impactful health outreach events.

Bringing resources and compassionate care to communities in Berkeley, Oakland, and Fairfield, the SMU teams served more than 200 individuals through free health services, including blood pressure screenings, pediatric health assessments, occupational therapy resources, and vaccine education.


Berkeley: Supporting Students at the Annual School Supply Giveaway

In Berkeley, SMU faculty and students joined the Berkeley Unified School District’s Annual School Supply Giveaway, hosted at San Pablo Park by the Office of Family Engagement & Equity in partnership with the School Supply Bank. SMU’s Dr. DeAnne Larsen and her pediatric nursing students provided vital health screenings and education for children and families preparing for the new school year. Occupational Therapy (OT) student Julia Golub also offered guidance and resources related to OT, helping families understand its role in student well-being. The event drew over 600 families seeking school supplies and essential support.

A woman wearing a black Samuel Merritt University polo shirt sits at a table in a park with a colorful trifold board titled “Occupational Therapy.” The board features information about the profession, application requirements, and activities of daily living. A playground with children and families is visible in the background.
OT student, Julia Golub, at BUSD’s Annual School Supply Giveaway at San Pablo Park

Oakland: Advancing Holistic Health at Allen Temple Baptist Church

At the 45th Annual Holistic Health Fair held by Allen Temple Baptist Church—a valued partner of SMU’s Ethnic Health Institute—faculty and students provided a wide range of services. Professor Emelyn Lacayo and SMU nursing students conducted pediatric screenings and blood pressure checks, offering heart health education across generations. Dr. Mary Premenko-Lanier, Chair of SMU’s new Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program, led a team of podiatric medicine students to provide up-to-date vaccine education and public health information.

Fairfield: Supporting Mental Health and Caregivers

In Fairfield, SMU students participated in the Annual African American Caregivers’ Forum and Health Fair, hosted by the African American Alzheimer’s Association at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. With this year’s forum centered on mental health, physical therapy and nursing, students offered blood pressure screenings and heart health education tailored for caregivers and their families—acknowledging the often-overlooked stress and health risks that come with caregiving responsibilities.

Two women stand in front of a Samuel Merritt University banner that reads “Center for Community Engagement – Ethnic Health Institute.” One woman wears a white shirt and green pants, while the other, in pink scrubs and a white cardigan, holds a clipboard. A table with health screening equipment, including a blood pressure cuff, sits in front of them.
SMU Students at Annual African American Caregivers’ Forum and Health Fair at Mount Calvary Baptist Church

From Berkeley to Fairfield, this weekend’s outreach reflected SMU’s mission to advance health equity and serve the broader community with integrity and compassion. By collaborating across disciplines and locations, SMU continues to train future healthcare leaders not only in clinical excellence but in the values of service, community partnership, and culturally competent care.

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