A participant has their blood pressure checked during a health expo in Costa Rica as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health Impact” initiative held across the country from April 4–12, 2026, which reached more than 20,000 people. [Photo: Costa Rica Union]
Weeklong outreach initiative provides wellness education, medical assistance, and community service throughout the country.

May 19, 2026 | Alajuela, Costa Rica | Royner Ramírez and Inter-American Division News Staff

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Costa Rica reached thousands of people through a nationwide week of health outreach activities focused on prevention, wellness education, and community service during its recent “Total Health Impact” initiative held throughout the country.

The coordinated effort included health expos, mental health presentations, medical assistance programs, social outreach projects, and educational activities designed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in communities across Costa Rica.

Community members visit various health stations led by healthcare professionals during the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health” initiative in Costa Rica. [Photo: Costa Rica Union]
One of the initiative’s most notable activities was the first-ever Health Expo held in Liberia, Guanacaste, home to the internationally recognized Nicoya Blue Zone, known for the longevity and healthy lifestyle of its population, church leaders said. Health presentations were shared with students and parents, emphasizing preventive health principles and healthy living habits.

Outreach Reaches Vulnerable Communities

Throughout the week of April 4-12, volunteers and healthcare professionals visited correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, parks, and remote communities, providing practical support, health orientation, spiritual encouragement, and messages of hope to individuals in vulnerable situations.

Additional outreach activities took place in Guápiles, Limón, and other communities outside the capital, where teams organized health education programs in schools and distributed eyeglasses and dental care services with support from Build and Restore International.

 

Health professionals speak with students about the impact healthy habits can have on their lives and encourage them to make positive lifestyle choices during the weeklong health initiative in Costa Rica. [Photo: Costa Rica Union]
The initiative also reached indigenous communities through the distribution of boots, food supplies, and children’s Bible school programs focused on health education. Volunteers additionally shared breakfast with people experiencing homelessness as part of the church’s emphasis on compassionate service.

Mental Health and Preventive Care Emphasized

Mental health awareness was another major component of the initiative, as healthcare professionals addressed emotional wellness and preventive care through presentations and community discussions.

Pastor Ricardo Marín, president of the Costa Rica Union, said the health initiative demonstrated the Adventist Church’s commitment to practical ministry and holistic care.

Health professionals visited the Juvenil Zurquí correctional facility in Heredia, Costa Rica, during the weeklong health initiative to share wellness presentations and messages of hope with youth. [Photo: Costa Rica Union][Photo: Costa Rica Union]
“People saw that the Adventist Church not only talks about health, but actually brings health together with a message of hope,” Marín said.

According to Marín, volunteers also delivered medical equipment to elderly care centers, including wheelchairs and crutches for senior citizens in need.

“It was beautiful to see how many church members became involved throughout the country,” he said. “Many people were reached with this precious and comprehensive health message.”

A health expo in Cartago, Costa Rica, provided medical assistance and wellness education to hundreds of people during the April 4–12, 2026, health initiative. [Photo: Costa Rica Union]
A Continuing Mission of Wellness

Marín explained that the initiative encouraged local churches to continue strengthening health ministry beyond a single event or week of activities.

“Health is a lifestyle,” he said. “We cannot limit ourselves to only one event. We must continue impacting communities and helping people understand that the Adventist Church has a message for this time—not only preventive, but also restorative through the power of the gospel.”

He also noted that Costa Rica continues facing growing health challenges related to obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, and hypertension despite having one of the region’s strongest healthcare systems.

A group of volunteers from Costa Rica participated in the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health Impact” initiative during April 4–12, 2026, helping provide health education, community service, and messages of hope throughout the country. [Photo: Costa Rica Union]
Marín said government health institutions and hospitals have increasingly opened doors for the church to present the Adventist health message and the “Eight Gifts of God” wellness principles in public settings.