WesternU HCOM Actively Contributes to Health and Equity Fair in Portland
WesternU HCOM Actively Contributes to Health and Equity Fair in Portland
On October 4, 2026, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine (WesternU HCOM) from the Western University of Health Sciences took part in the 19th annual Portland Health Care Equity Fair (HCEF). Organized by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), this event focuses on offering essential health services to those in the community who are uninsured or underinsured. The primary goal is to provide accessible long-term care options for everyone.
For the fifth consecutive year, WesternU HCOM collaborated with various local organizations, bringing together students, faculty, and community volunteers. Attendees were offered a multitude of services that included health and wellness screenings, food distribution, mental health education, and personal care resources. Notable organizations contributing to the success of the event included the Pacific Psychology and Comprehensive Health Clinic, Feed the Mass, Oregon Food Bank, and more.
The event showcases the operational excellence of OHSU and WesternU HCOM students. These students have various responsibilities, from logistics to finance, publicity, community outreach, operations, and volunteer recruitment. A participant in this year's event, OHSU student Thuy Dien, expressed her newfound understanding of the intricate planning necessary to execute such a substantial affair:
“Last year I was a medical assistant helping in the primary care provider tents, and this year as a lead, I’ve learned how much work it takes to coordinate everything. It’s a crucial experience that I will carry forward in my career.”
The fair not only provides hands-on experience for health professionals in training but also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare programs. Students from different institutions — OHSU School of Nursing, OHSU School of Dentistry, and Oregon State University's School of Pharmacy — all come together to work towards the common goal of providing health resources and care to those in need. This collaborative effort fosters an environment where students can learn from each other, develop valuable connections, and better understand how various health fields can unite to confront obstacles facing patients.
Second-year WesternU HCOM student, Megan Van Der Walt, shared her enthusiasm about the collaborative experience:
“It’s incredible to work alongside peers who are experiencing similar challenges and are focused on the shared goal of providing crucial services to our community. Collaborating to overcome barriers to care is not only rewarding but incredibly enlightening.”
OHSU student Merel De Leenheer likewise found the event instrumental in her understanding of the real-world challenges of healthcare access:
“Participating in the fair opened my eyes to the many hurdles individuals face within the medical system. It’s one thing to know about these issues but experiencing them firsthand made me appreciate each little service we provided even more.”
Dr. Gina Miller, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at WesternU HCOM, played an integral role in founding the Health Care Equity Fair back in 2008, while she was still a medical student at OHSU. Today, she acts as a faculty advisor, guiding students passionate about serving the community through accessible healthcare initiatives.
“Being part of this event for so many years, I’ve come to recognize many patients who return each year seeking help. It’s disheartening to realize they lack regular access to primary care,” Dr. Miller noted.
In addition to the HCEF, WesternU has also initiated the Rural Health Care Equity Fair, which takes place annually in Lebanon, Oregon. This event aims to offer the same variety of health services and educational opportunities as its urban counterpart, thus widening the reach of support available to the community. Set for May 1, 2027, at the Lebanon River Center, the Rural Health Care Equity Fair is another step towards extending free healthcare access to those who need it most.
This ongoing commitment to health equity by WesternU HCOM, coupled with active participation from students and local organizations, exemplifies the power of community outreach in transforming healthcare access for underserved populations.
Topics Health）
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