By Charles Warren, The Freelancer, V&V Contributing Writer
On Saturday, April 19th, the Martin Luther King Recreation Center in Southeastern San Diego was alive with energy, purpose, and community spirit. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Community Health and Resource Fair sponsored by the Florence Griffith Joyner Youth Foundation offered vital healthcare services, education, and social resources to residents in need. At the center of it all was Antionette Simmons, a proud Southeastern San Diego native and current medical student at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA through the CDU/UCLA medical education program.
Simmons, who organized the event with passion and precision, shared the motivation behind her work:
“I am passionate about improving the health and well-being of the community that shaped me,” she said. “Growing up in Southeast[ern] San Diego, I witnessed firsthand the barriers many families face in accessing quality healthcare, education, and social support—key factors that determine our overall quality of life. Thankfully, programs like Flo-Jo International, Valencia Park Hornets, and Epiphany Women in Focus offered me a foundation of mentorship, values, and resilience. Now, with the support of the Florence Griffith Joyner Youth Foundation, I’m excited to give back to this community.”
The fair addressed some of the most pressing issues facing Southeastern San Diego. Many families in the area struggle to afford routine medical checkups, leading to undiagnosed conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Additionally, limited access to health education means that many individuals are without the tools needed to make informed health decisions. The event also aimed to reinforce social support systems in a community where such networks are often stretched thin.
One of the day’s most impressive achievements was the turnout: 26 vendors and physicians from both San Diego and Los Angeles participated. Volunteers came from far and wide, including medical students from UCLA, Charles R. Drew University (CDU), and UC San Diego, alongside undergraduates from San Diego State University and even high school students from O’Farrell Charter School.
The event wasn’t just a health fair; it really showed how our community can come together. It was a great example of local leaders, organizations, and residents working together to support each other.
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