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HPU School of Nursing students and Assistant Professor Leeah Javier with members of the American Heart Association on March 18.
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HPU students provided vital signs and blood pressure screenings for participants at the community health fair in Wahiawa.
HPU School of Nursing students, under the guidance of HPU Assistant Professor Leeah Javier, DNP, RN, partnered with the American Heart Association to participate in a community health fair at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Wahiawa, Oʻahu, on March 18.
At the event, nursing students provided vital signs and blood pressure screenings for elderly residents and church parishioners, emphasizing the importance of heart health and healthy lifestyle choices. Using the Life Chart, they educated attendees on the benefits of a heart-healthy diet and proactive measures for hypertension prevention.
Leeah Javier (center) with HPU nursing students at Our Lady of Sorrow Church in Wahiawa.
“Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students do more than just a hospital clinical rotation, said HPU Dean of the School of Nursing Edna Magpantay-Monroe, Ed.D, APRN, CMDCP. “In their last semester, students take a community health course. Our presence in the community and partnerships are invaluable. We are thankful for organizations like the American Heart Association for their willingness to engage our students. The aspiration is to have relevant partnerships that meet the mission of the nursing program and have a shared kuleana (responsibility) for healthy communities.”
In addition to the nursing students' efforts, other community organizations, including Wahiawa Health Clinic and Farm Link, participated in the event, offering services such as food vouchers.
For HPU’s nursing students, the event underscored the vital role of community-based healthcare.
“Overall, it was a successful and fulfilling day. The church community was incredibly welcoming, and the volunteers were kind and supportive,” said HPU nursing student Mia Takahashi, who is graduating in May 2025. “Their generosity and hospitality made the experience even more enjoyable—especially the homemade snacks and muffins, which were a delightful bonus! This experience reinforced my passion for community health and reminded me of the impact that small, meaningful interactions can have on individuals. I look forward to more opportunities to serve and learn from different populations in the future.”
For Asia Mills, also an HPU nursing student graduating in May 2025, the experience deepened her appreciation for preventive nursing care. “The event highlighted how simple interventions like a blood pressure check and a conversation about lifestyle choices can significantly impact an individual’s well-being,” Mills shared. “I realized that nursing extends beyond hospital settings; engaging in community health events allows us to reach populations who may not seek medical care until complications arise. I walked away with a sense of pride knowing that we did something great for the community, especially for older adults. The event’s success was a direct result of teamwork, organization, and genuine care for the participants.”
The community health event was another prime demonstration of the power of community partnerships in advancing public health while providing HPU nursing students with invaluable real-world experience in serving diverse populations.
To learn more about the HPU School of Nursing, click here.
