For the third consecutive summer, students from the School of Medicine (SOM) and Summer Medical Leadership Program (SMLP) were out at this year’s Healthy Streets, Healthy People event. They joined neighborhood health advocates WellAware and event sponsors UVA Health and Sentara to support over 45 booths and activities available to the community on June 29, 2024 at Booker T. Washington Park. Volunteers and attendees alike were able to enjoy the tunes of local DJ B-EASY as he provided the soundtrack for the day’s events.
Healthy Streets, Healthy People approaches community needs via two principles: (1) to address street safety issues by providing mental health resources, youth programs, substance abuse support, and crime prevention, and (2) to foster environmentally healthy streets by promoting home gardening, walkable streets, responsible energy use, bike riding, and more. Attendees were able to learn more about these initiatives by visiting community booths, attending trainings, obtaining safety supplies, and hearing from Mayor JuanDiego Wade during his keynote address.
Not to be left out, the event also had activities for children where they could spend time enjoying yard games alongside UVA SOM and SMLP students! One young attendee commented, “I thought it was great because there were a lot of helpful stands with snacks and free swag and fun activities for us to do while we waited for our parents. I even beat adults at tug-of-war!”
For visitors of all ages, this event was a fantastic opportunity to nurture community relationships while engaging with programs to promote overall community wellness. From setting up booths to games of tug-of-war, we were honored to be part of yet another successful Healthy Streets, Healthy People event. We’ll see you out there in summer 2025!
Filed Under: Community