VCU news

By Sian Wilkerson

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Latinx Student Association was in the spirit of giving – in this case, a shot in the arm – ahead of the holidays. Shortly before winter break in December, they facilitated a health clinic that served members of the Richmond area’s Latino community.

“In Latino culture, community is a really big thing,” said LSA co-President Leslie Quiroz, who is Peruvian. “It’s something that unites us, and that’s something my parents always taught me growing up. I hold that value very dear in my heart.”

Among other services, the clinic – held at the Sacred Heart Center, a nonprofit in South Richmond that offers education and support services to the area’s Latino community – provided free vaccinations to more than 100 uninsured residents. The event was spurred by Anita Nadal, faculty fellow for community engagement in VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences and faculty advisor for the LSA. The event also received support from Sheryl Garland, executive director of the Office of Health Equity at VCU and chief of health impact at VCU Health.

With more than 600 members, the LSA  is the largest student organization at VCU. In the fall, Nadal approached the group, seeking help with fundraising for and organization of the event.

“When there is a need that presents itself in the community, then I feel it’s my job to do my best, right along with students, to do whatever we can to make a difference,” said Nadal, a teaching assistant professor of Spanish in the School of World Studies. “As they say, it takes a village.”

After fundraising, LSA members volunteered at the clinic, helping with translations, providing information about resources available for low-income and uninsured residents – including federally funded breast and cervical cancer screening available through VCU Health – and assisting in the delivery of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.

“The event was an exceptional demonstration of care, organization and inclusivity,” said Yenni Leon, director of religious education at Sacred Heart Parish. “What stood out the most was the sense of community and togetherness” – and the event’s accessibility to both English and Spanish speakers.

Quiroz, a fourth-year who is double-majoring in international studies and foreign language with a concentration in dual languages, said connecting with community is one reason she joined the LSA, which is open to all students. In addition to the clinic, which the group hopes to hold again, the LSA organizes an annual charity event for Sacred Heart as well as other community outreach programs.

LSA service chair JC Portillo, a fourth-year psychology major, said his interest in service comes from a personal place.

“I don’t want to be viewed as a statistic,” said Portillo, who is half-Honduran and half-Salvadoran. “I want to be viewed as a person, like, ‘Hey, this guy’s pretty good.’ When I give service, it honestly makes me so happy. My philosophy is if you can make one person smile, then you did your job.”