CHRISTINA DUKE | staff writer
Thursday, March 26 marked the 10th Anniversary of the Neighborhood Wellness Center in Azusa. The celebration included a welcome reception with snacks and beverages followed by a formal ceremony acknowledging all those who created and have supported the center.
It all began when Inez Gutierrez challenged former President of APU, Richard Felix at a meeting for community outreach.
“With all of the gifts and talents here, what are you going to do to help the city of Azusa?” Gutierrez asked.
Shortly after, former clinical nursing instructor Karen Nelson led a community assessment during the 1995-1996 academic year.
This assessment attempted to discover the problems and strengths of the Azusa community and the impact those have on the health of its residents.
Three components of this assessment were to gather demographic and health statistics for the city, interview and survey residents about perceptions and health behaviors and to map the assets of the community in order to classify strengths.
Specific to health, the assessment discovered that the top three causes of death were heart disease, liver disease and pneumonia, which are largely preventable by lifestyle adjustments and behaviors.
As a result of this project, the final goal was made to create a nursing center in the city of Azusa which would not duplicate any services already available but would focus primarily on health promotion activities which can create healthy lifestyles, a healthy environment and ultimately prevent disease.
The center was made possible through the generous donations received through the Canyon City Foundation, including a $125,000 grant from a California state endowment.
Among those who spoke at the ceremony was Susan Smith, the founder and former director of the Neighborhood Wellness Center.
“This is one of the most rewarding experiences in a nursing career. To God be the glory,” Smith said.
The Neighborhood Wellness Center provides health education on stress reduction, exercise and physical activity, healthy eating, diabetes prevention and obesity prevention.
The center also offers bilingual assistance, blood pressure screening, nurse assistance with health information, disease prevention, medication information and community resources.
All of these services are provided free of charge, which has been one of the greatest appeals for citizens to utilize the center.
Among those present at the celebration were current and former nursing students, patients, elected officials, sponsors, community members and APU President Jon Wallace who closed the ceremony.
“The goal is to continue to connect the students and staff to the community everyday and we ask that everyday,” Wallace said.
Julie Puszatai, the current director of the Wellness Center commented that her work there has been the highlight of her nursing career, and she extended a thank you to all citizens of the city.
Puszatai said, “The Azusa community is so welcoming. We are here for you all and thank you for all of the support you’ve given us.”
