MGH Institute nursing students and faculty rolled up their sleeves Saturday and pitched in at the annual Hyde Park Juneteenth Health Screening, where they provided free health checks and vital wellness education.

Advanced practice nursing students Robert Edward Griffith, Deborah Boateng, and Saliha Maqbool conducted blood pressure checks, weight assessments, and blood sugar screenings, while also engaging community members in impactful conversations about hypertension, medication safety, nutrition, physical activity, and overall health promotion.

Faculty members Clara Gona,Antonia Makosky, Maria Openshaw, and Eleonor Pusey-Reid, alongside IHP alumna Shannon MacDowell and IHP friend Lynette Matthews, NP, guided and supervised the students, and ensured that all screenings were efficiently managed.

With no community health center in the area, this was an important event in addressing Hyde Park’s community healthcare needs.

“This was a powerful opportunity for our students and faculty to represent the School of Nursing in a spirit of service,” said Gona. “It was an honor to actively be present, to watch, listen, serve, and stand in community for such a meaningful celebration.”

Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll came to the event, as did Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and other local dignitaries.

“I was particularly impressed – but not surprised - by our students who helped raise awareness and empower participants to take steps toward better health,” noted Gona. “Whether they were interacting with participants in the hallways or at the assessment tables, they remained calm and focused and provided care with confidence and grace. They made a significant impact.”