Lakewood Stands United: A Bold Display of Health Equity in Action

Date of Event: May 20th, 2025
Location: Lakewood, Colorado
Event: Free Health & Mental Wellness Fair
Hosted in Partnership With: Colorado Community Health Alliance

What happens when you bring together immigrants, refugees, individuals with disabilities, and families from all walks of life—across languages, backgrounds, and beliefs—for one shared purpose?

You build a movement.

This May, Lakewood Stands United wasn’t just a health fair. It was a powerful declaration of what health equity can and should look like—grounded in hope, connection, justice, and joy.

Over 350 people received free health screenings, behavioral health consultations, and life-changing resources. Some traveled from as far as the San Luis Valley, Commerce City, Aurora, and Boulder to attend. For many, it was the first time receiving care in a space where they felt seen, respected, and safe.

“This was more than services. This was a lifeline.” – Julissa Soto

Real Conversations. Real Impact.

This fair was built not only to serve—but to listen, educate, and empower. Attendees connected with culturally responsive providers, learned about preventative health, and opened up about challenges they often face in silence.

Many walked away with critical health insights—some even discovering life-threatening conditions for the first time. One newly arrived woman from Venezuela left in tears after winning the $1,000 raffle prize, which she used to pay her rent.

Healing the Whole Person

This event was a model for holistic wellness—addressing mental health, chronic disease prevention, immigration needs, and more. And through laughter, music, a petting zoo, and even a community train ride, it reminded us that healing isn’t just medical—it’s emotional and communal.

🚨 A Reminder of the Work Ahead

In the midst of joy, a politically charged vehicle drove past the event—its presence a stark reminder that injustice is still loud. But louder still?

• Children’s laughter by the goats 🐐

• Conversations of hope and transformation 💬

• The voice of a community refusing to be silenced 🗣️

✊ Why We Won’t Stop

“No one else is doing this work at this scale—because it’s hard. But we’re not backing down.” – Julissa Soto

Health care is a human right, not a privilege. Every mobile fair we host is more than an event—it’s a statement. A promise. A refusal to leave any family behind.

🚂 What’s Next?

Our journey continues. The next stops on this mobile health equity movement:
📍 Colorado Springs
📍 Bennett

If you believe in justice through community health, join us:

• Become a partner 🤝

• Host a fair in your city 🏘️

• Show up. Be loud. Shine brighter than fear ✨

With gratitude and in solidarity,

Julissa Soto
Co-Chair, Colorado Suicide Prevention Commission | Health Equity Commissioner
CEO & Founder, Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting

Dr. Thomas Jensen, MD
Co-Chair | President, Denver Guild of the Catholic Medical Association
State Director, Colorado CMA