Salud, a Spanish word meaning “health”, is a student-run organization at the University of Pennsylvania that aims to promote health and wellness among the Latino community. Led by the passionate and dedicated Neil Gajare, a senior at UPenn, Salud has been making a positive impact on the lives of many students on campus.
Neil Gajare, a pre-med student at UPenn, founded Salud in 2018 with the vision of creating a safe and inclusive space for Latino students to discuss health-related issues and access resources. Being of Indian descent, Neil was aware of the struggles that minority communities face when it comes to healthcare. He wanted to bridge the gap and provide support to those who needed it the most.
Since its inception, Salud has been organizing various events and workshops to educate students on different health topics. From mental health to nutrition, Salud covers a wide range of issues that are relevant to the Latino community. The organization also collaborates with other groups on campus to reach a larger audience and create a more significant impact.
One of the most significant achievements of Salud is the annual health fair that they organize. The fair brings together various healthcare professionals and organizations to provide free health screenings and information to students. It is a one-stop-shop for students to learn about their health and access resources that they may not have access to otherwise. The fair also includes fun activities, such as Zumba classes and healthy cooking demonstrations, making it an enjoyable and informative event for everyone.
Salud also conducts workshops on mental health, a topic that is often stigmatized in the Latino community. Through these workshops, students learn about the importance of self-care and how to identify and cope with mental health issues. The organization also provides a safe and confidential space for students to share their experiences and seek support from their peers.
Apart from organizing events, Salud also offers mentorship programs for Latino students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The program pairs students with mentors who are professionals in the field and provides guidance and support to help them achieve their goals. This program has been instrumental in helping students navigate their academic and career paths and has inspired many to pursue careers in healthcare.
The impact of Salud can be seen in the positive experiences of its members. Students have shared how the organization has helped them become more aware of their health and inspired them to lead healthier lifestyles. Salud has also created a sense of community and belonging for many Latino students who may feel isolated in a predominantly white institution. The organization has also been praised for its inclusivity and open-mindedness, creating a safe space for students to express themselves without fear of judgment.
However, Salud‘s journey has not been without its challenges. In 2019, the organization faced backlash when posters promoting their health fair were defaced with Anti-Semitic messages. But instead of letting this incident discourage them, Salud used it as an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of diversity and inclusion. They organized a panel discussion on combating hate and discrimination and received support from the university and other student organizations. Salud‘s response to this incident showed the strength and resilience of its members and highlighted the importance of their work.
In just a few years, Salud has become an integral part of the UPenn community. Under the leadership of Neil Gajare, the organization has grown and made a significant impact on the lives of many students. Salud‘s dedication to promoting health and wellness in the Latino community is truly commendable, and their positive experiences have inspired many to join the cause.
In conclusion, Salud is more than just an organization; it is a movement that is creating a positive change in the lives of students at UPenn. With their passion, determination, and hard work, the members of Salud are breaking barriers and promoting a healthier and more inclusive environment on campus. As the organization continues to grow, we can only hope that their impact will reach beyond the university and inspire others to prioritize health and wellness in their communities.
