(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – January 28, 2025) — Jefferson Silva High School students are taking the lead in improving community health with the first-ever Health Care Fest on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. The event, organized by the school’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) chapter in partnership with the West Texas Medical Reserve Corps, aims to provide the community with accessible health resources and vital education.
The student-led initiative focuses on providing the community with the tools and knowledge to live a healthy lifestyle. “We realized the main problem with our community is that we don’t know where to go for important things like health services, and we wanted to bring knowledge to our community about the services available to them,” said Nayubi Sosa, a senior at Jefferson Silva High School.
Health Care Fest will feature a variety of workshops, guest presenters, and interactive sessions. Attendees can expect to learn about CPR techniques, fire evacuation plans, and emergency preparedness, as well as receive tips about driving. “We’re going to have somebody from driver’s ed at the event. We noticed a lot of car crashes going on here in our city, and we want to educate our community about driver safety tips and why they’re important,” said Amiya Bhakta, a senior organizing the event.
The event will bring together local organizations such as the El Paso Fire Department and area clinics, offering resources that extend beyond physical health. Attendees can participate in resume workshops, mental health sessions, and free vital sign checks, including blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels. Dental students will also be on-site to teach children how to brush their teeth properly.
“Health is about more than just shots and check-ups,” Sosa explained. “We wanted to take a holistic approach and include resources like mental health services and therapy, as well as practical life-saving skills like CPR.”
The Health Care Fest is a testament to the students’ dedication to their community. As participants in Jefferson Silva’s Patient Care Technician program, these students are preparing for futures in healthcare and beyond. Bhakta plans to attend the BSN program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, while Sosa aims to study international business in Rome before pursuing medical school.
"El Paso ISD is all about promoting its students to become leaders," said Jefferson Silva Principal Edgar Rincon. "I tell my students that I love it when they come to me with their ideas because we always want to have a student voice and student leadership."
Health Care Fest is free and open to people of all ages, providing a one-stop opportunity for the community to explore the many resources El Paso has to offer. “We want people to leave knowing what’s available to them in their own city,” Bhakta said. “This is a chance for us to make El Paso a better place and to create awareness about the tools and resources that can improve lives.”