Free Health and Wellness Fair: Pittsburgh, PA
In a display of compassion and community outreach, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Pittsburgh, PA, hosted a free Health and Wellness Fair on April 27, 2025, at Second Avenue Commons Shelter, offering essential medical care and support to over 60 individuals experiencing homelessness. Four entities - Pittsburgh Mercy; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC); Allegheny County Department of Human Services; and Second Avenue Commons Inc. - collaborated with the Pittsburgh Sai Center in this initiative to address a severe deficit in healthcare services in the community, a deficit arising from a 44% increase in unsheltered homelessness in Allegheny County since January 2024.
The Health and Wellness Fair featured a full spectrum of services, including:
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Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose screenings (in partnership with UPMC)
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Vision check-ups and free reading glasses
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Dental exams and oral cancer screenings
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Mental health consultations
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Neurology, cardiology, and general medical
The Pittsburgh Sai Center’s Vice-President, noted that this was the center's first medical camp. It took significant planning and coordination with all stakeholders, including their partner UPMC who provided free lab services, Second Avenue Commons Shelter staff and the Sai volunteers and medical volunteers.
Medical services were provided by a team of 10 healthcare professionals, including physicians from various specialties and two nurse practitioners. Inspired by the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the team worked to ensure that all of the attendees received professional, respectful, and timely care.
An experienced medical volunteer expressed, “I have organized medical camps, including international ones. But this health and wellness fair at the shelter in downtown Pittsburgh, right in the heart of city, was unique. Physician specialists, volunteers and shelter administrators from different walks of life and backgrounds came together for this great cause. This was a great example how pure love and selfless service can transcend cultural barriers for good. It was a very rewarding experience for all of us.”
Assisting the medical team was a dedicated group of 15 volunteers from Pittsburgh Sai Center which included center officers, members, and young adults. They provided a wide array of assistance - (i) planning and logistics (ii) procuring supplies (iii) setting up private screening areas for the patients (iv) managing registration, triage, and lunch service, (v) dismantling and cleanup after the event.
After the health screening, all participants were treated to a complimentary lunch — part of a holistic approach that nurtured both body and spirit. For many receiving the health services, the event was one that was timely and very much needed.
One participant remarked, "Thanks for organizing this free health fair. I’m really glad I came. I didn’t realize my blood pressure was high and needed immediate attention. I’m going to set up an appointment with my doctor right away."
For the organizers, offering selfless service to the Pittsburgh homeless community was rewarding and many were grateful to be able to offer their expertise to those in need.
“We believe in serving with love and dignity,” said one team member. “Everyone deserves access to healthcare, no matter their circumstances.”
Following the success of the event, the Center VP noted that Center hopes to host more such fairs in the future, expanding the reach and impact of their compassionate care.