On February 13, 2015, La Maestra Community Health Centers Mobile Clinic was stationed, along with other health care and social services providers,  outside the East African Community and Cultural Center in City Heights to offer free health screenings. This was one of the Love Your Heart events occurring throughout San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico.

Amina Sheik Mohamed, Senior Manager from UC San Diego Center for Community Health, one of the day’s coordinators emphasized, “Health screening is a very important part of prevention. This event helps people know their numbers and educates them about how to talk to their doctor.”

Karina De Rosas from La Maestra Community Health Centers Community Health Access Department gave a tour of the mobile clinic’s features including two dental chairs, mammography room and vision screen area.

Other partners included the County of San Diego, the YMCA, United Women of East Africa, Somali Bantu Community of San Diego, Huda Community Center, PANA, Southern Sudanese Community Center, Mental Health America of San Diego County, African Coalition Workforce and UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Asha Mohamed is a proud mother of 8 children and 7 grandchildren. She had her blood pressure taken inside La Maestra mobile clinic and shared her views speaking in Somali while Sheik Mohamed translated, “It is very important to be screened for blood pressure, diabetes, and vision at this kind of community setting. Some people don’t go out of the house, so they appreciate having many services offered in one day where language is not a problem and people understand our culture. There is even massage available today to help relieve stress.”

Asha Mohamed got her blood pressure measured at La Maestra Community Health Centers Mobile Clinic
 

Dental screening at the East African Community and Cultural Center in City Heights
 

Vision screening