News Gallery
On October 20, 2024, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, USC Arcadia Hospital, and BLIA Los Angeles Chapter teamed up again to host the 2024 "Harmony and Joy" Free Health Fair at USC Arcadia Hospital. This was the event's 22nd year, offering 16 different health screenings and consultations, with 120 BLIA volunteers serving nearly 600 people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Even though the health fair started at 8 AM, the first person showed up at 4 AM to grab a spot. In addition to local residents from cities like Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Temple City, and Arcadia, some attendees drove over an hour from places like Tarzana, Lancaster, Temecula, and Eastvale to take advantage of the services.
Jimmy Wu, representing LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger from the 5th District, praised BLIA volunteers for their compassion and hard work. He presented certificates of appreciation to USC Arcadia Hospital and BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, recognizing their important contributions to the community.
USC Arcadia Hospital's CEO, Ike Mmeje, shared his gratitude for being able to serve the community through the health fair, highlighting the hospital's 22-year partnership with Hsi Lai Temple and BLIA Los Angeles Chapter. Sandra Chen Lau, president of the hospital's foundation, emphasized the hospital's dedication to serving the community and thanked Hsi Lai Temple and BLIA volunteers for their support. Venerable Ru Song from Hsi Lai Temple, who oversees community outreach, expressed her hope that the event would bring peace and happiness to everyone. BLIA Los Angeles Chapter President Alex Wu echoed those feelings, thanking the hospital and recognizing the volunteers for embodying the spirit of "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings."
After the speeches, Ike Mmeje, Sandra Chen Lau, Venerable Ru Song, Venerable Miao Huang, Venerable Zhi San, and Alex Wu handed out blessed water to the attendees, wishing them health and peace. They also visited the various health stations to thank the medical staff and hand out small gifts, joined by Charlie Hwang, President of the Arcadia subchapter of BLIA Los Angeles.
USC Arcadia Hospital provided the venue, medical services, and 80 healthcare professionals, while BLIA brought 120 volunteers to help with everything from setup to managing traffic. This year's fair added pharmacist consultations and cancer specialist consultations to its list of services. Other offerings included blood tests, carotid artery ultrasound stroke screenings, osteoporosis screenings, flu shots, blood pressure checks, body fat measurements, vision tests, dementia screenings, consultations with various medical specialists and nutritionists, and CPR training. Representatives from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services and Department of Mental Health were also there to provide resources.
Attendees June Glover and her husband, Lynn, were among those who appreciated the wide range of services. June was impressed by how much was offered, while Lynn, who's been a patient at USC Arcadia Hospital for 56 years, shared his deep connection to the hospital and wished the free clinic continued success.
(Photos by Ching Pan, Angie Chu & Anna He)
