Nationwide initiative combines health education, media outreach, and community service to reach thousands across the country.

May 19, 2026 | San Salvador, El Salvador | Fabricio Rivera and Inter-American Division News Staff

Medical outreach, health education, radio programming, and community wellness activities helped the Seventh-day Adventist Church in El Salvador reach more than 20,000 people during its nationwide “Total Health Impact” initiative held from April 5–12, 2026.

The nationwide campaign brought Adventist schools, local churches, healthcare workers, and media ministries together in a coordinated effort to share practical health principles and connect with communities through service-oriented outreach.

Church members welcome mall goers during the health and wellness stations for visitors at Metrocentro San Miguel during the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “2026 Total Health Impact” initiative on April 5–12, 2026, in San Miguel, El Salvador. [Photo: El Salvador Union]
Activities throughout the week included wellness expos, free medical brigades, live radio and television interviews, interactive school programs, and the distribution of thousands of health and missionary publications in parks, shopping centers, public health units, and recreational venues across the country.

National Media and Public Outreach

On April 7, recognized globally as World Health Day, Adventist leaders participated in interviews on six secular national radio stations to promote the “Total Health” initiative and present practical principles for healthier living based on the church’s health message.

The church also used its own Adventist Radio stations and social media platforms to broadcast special health programs featuring professionals discussing mental health, childhood obesity, emotional wellness, and the effects of excessive screen use among children and youth.

Gerson Dimas (left), health ministries director of the El Salvador Union Mission, and Luis Aguillón (right), executive secretary of the union, pose for a photo after participating in one of several national radio programs promoting the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “2026 Total Health Impact” initiative in El Salvador. [Photo: El Salvador Union]
Pastor Luis Aguillón, executive secretary of the El Salvador Union, said the initiative opened unexpected opportunities for the church to connect with new audiences through health-focused programming.

“We had never done something like this before on a national scale,” Aguillón said. “The health emphasis allowed us to enter secular radio stations and connect with people who normally would not interact with the church.”

Aguillón explained that many listeners were surprised to hear practical presentations on emotional and physical wellness from Adventist health professionals.

Professionals and volunteers present health resources and interactive stations promoting healthy lifestyle habits during the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health 2026” initiative in El Salvador. [Photo: El Salvador Union]
“People discovered that the church cares not only about doctrine, but also about helping individuals and families live healthier lives,” he said.

Schools and Health Expos Mobilized Thousands

The educational sector also played a major role in the initiative, church leaders said. Twenty-five Adventist schools mobilized approximately 6,000 students, who participated in interactive health expos and presentations for parents and community members.

In many schools, students themselves became presenters, teaching classmates and families about healthy living through interactive stations focused on nutrition, exercise, hydration, rest, and emotional wellness.

Young students participate in a healthy living activity during the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health 2026” initiative at an Adventist school in San Salvador, El Salvador. [Photo: El Salvador Union]
Health fairs and expos were also held in parks, shopping centers, and public spaces throughout the country, including activities at Metrocentro San Miguel, Parque Recreativo El Cafetalón, Redondel Claudia Lars, Lago de Coatepeque, and Cerro de las Pavas.

At Metrocentro San Miguel, one of the country’s largest shopping centers, thousands of visitors stopped to receive literature, vegetarian food samples, wellness information, and guidance from healthcare professionals.

Health Ministry Opens Doors for Evangelism

According to organizers, Adventist doctors, psychologists, nurses, dentists, and other health professionals volunteered throughout the initiative, offering practical guidance and free services during health expos and community medical brigades.

Participants attend a health expo during the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health 2026” initiative in El Salvador. [Photo: El Salvador Union]
Aguillón said the initiative demonstrated how health ministry can become a bridge for evangelism and long-term community impact.

“Health brought people closer to the church in ways we had not experienced before,” he said. “Many churches now want to continue organizing community health activities because they see how people respond when the church meets practical needs.”

Church leaders also reported strong interest from secular radio stations and community organizations requesting continued collaboration on future health-focused programming and outreach initiatives.

Announcements promoting the Total Health Impact initiative aired on social media platforms on April 7, featuring discussions on obesity and screen use among children and adolescents. [Photo: Facebook]
Gerson Dimas, health ministries director of El Salvador Union, praised the commitment of volunteers and healthcare workers across the country.

“We give honor and glory to God for allowing us to share this message,” Dimas said. “We are confident that the Holy Spirit is transforming lives toward a lifestyle that honors the Creator.”

Leaders said the success of the initiative has encouraged the church to develop ongoing health education and outreach programs throughout El Salvador in the coming months.