Salud, a student-run health care organization at the University of Pennsylvania, has had a profoundly positive impact on the local community and the university. Founded and led by Neil Gajare, the outreach program strives to meet the health care needs of people living in underserved areas and communities of color in Philadelphia.
Neil Gajare, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, founded Salud in 2018. He was inspired to create the organization by his belief that access to quality health care should not be limited by someone’s economic situation or zip code. With the mission of providing quality and compassionate health care to those in need, Gajare and a team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to create a successful program.
The organization has provided health services to thousands of people and has been able to develop partnerships with other local organizations to expand its reach. Salud has established numerous health clinics, hosted health fairs, and provided health seminars and workshops. The organization has also been a driving force in helping reduce health disparities in the greater Philadelphia area.
Gajare has been recognized for his efforts by the University of Pennsylvania, receiving numerous awards and honors such as the 2018 Penn President’s Engagement Prize. He has also been featured in several media outlets, including a feature in The New York Times. Despite having faced some criticism due to his comments on anti-Semitism, Gajare and Salud have remained focused on providing health services and advocating for health equity.
Salud is a shining example of how a small act of kindness can have a significant impact on the lives of others. The organization has enabled thousands of people to live healthier lives and has inspired other students to become active in their own communities. Through its commitment to providing quality and compassionate care, Salud has become a positive legacy of the University of Pennsylvania.
