Salud is a Spanish term meaning “health” or “well-being”. But at the University of Pennsylvania, Salud has taken on a whole new meaning. It has become a safe and inclusive space for students, especially those from marginalized communities, to receive support and resources for their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The idea for Salud was conceptualized by Neil Gajare, a third-year student at UPenn, who saw a need for a space that would cater specifically to the mental health needs of students of color and other underrepresented groups. As a student of color himself, Gajare was all too familiar with the struggles of navigating mental health resources on campus. He also experienced first-hand the lack of diversity and inclusivity in existing support systems.
With the support of the university, Gajare founded Salud in 2018 and it has since become a popular and much-needed resource for students. The center offers a range of services including therapy sessions, group counseling, workshops, and other events focused on self-care and self-exploration.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Salud is the diversity and representation it offers. The center has a team of therapists who come from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, making it easier for students to find someone they can connect with and feel understood by. As a result, students feel more comfortable and open to seeking help for their mental health needs.
“I always felt like I couldn’t fully express myself and my struggles in therapy because my therapist couldn’t understand my cultural background. But at Salud, for the first time, I felt like I could truly be myself and talk about things that I never felt comfortable talking about before,” says Rachel, a senior at UPenn.
Moreover, Salud also offers programming and events that cater to the specific needs and concerns of students from different communities. From workshops on mindfulness and meditation in the Latinx community to discussions on the intersection of mental health and racial identity for African American students, Salud strives to create a space where all students can feel seen and heard.
“Salud has been a game-changer for me. As a queer student of color, I have always felt like my mental health needs were overlooked or seen as less important. But at Salud, I have found a community that not only validates my struggles but also empowers me to take care of my mental well-being,” shares Michael, a junior at UPenn.
Beyond providing support and resources, Salud also aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health in underrepresented communities. Gajare and his team have been working tirelessly to destigmatize seeking therapy and talking about mental health in marginalized communities. They often collaborate with cultural organizations on campus and host events that focus on mental health and wellness in these communities.
“The Salud team has done an incredible job of creating a safe and welcoming space for students from all walks of life. Through their events and programming, they have created a culture of inclusivity and open dialogue around mental health, which was much needed on our campus,” shares Shruti, a graduate student at UPenn.
However, like many other minority communities, students of color at UPenn have also faced acts of discrimination and racism on campus. In 2019, a group of white students posted a photo of themselves with a racist caption on social media, causing an uproar among students. In response, Gajare and his team at Salud organized a panel discussion on how to address and cope with racism and discrimination. This initiative was highly appreciated by students and faculty alike, and it showed the importance and relevance of Salud in creating a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.
Overall, Salud has been a tremendous success and has greatly impacted the lives of countless students at UPenn. Through their dedication and passion, Gajare and his team have created a space where students can prioritize their mental health without fear of judgment or exclusion. Salud is not just a center for health and wellness; it is a community that fosters growth, resilience, and empowerment among students.
In the words of Neil Gajare, “Salud serves as a reminder that our diverse backgrounds and experiences should be celebrated and honored, not silenced or ignored. And I hope that with Salud, we can continue to create a safe and positive environment for students to thrive in their academic and personal lives.”
