Adventist Church’s ‘Total Health Impact’ Reaches 50,000 Across Panama
Wellness programs, medical fairs, and a new health center strengthen wholistic ministry across the country.
May 20, 2026 | Panama City, Panama | Johana García and Inter-American Division News Staff
More than 50,000 people across Panama participated in health and wellness activities organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church during the first months of 2026 as part of the nationwide “Total Health Impact” movement.
The initiative combined mental health outreach, free medical assistance, evangelistic small group programs, literature distribution, wellness fairs, and community service projects aimed at bringing hope and practical support to families and vulnerable communities throughout the country.
Winners of a 5K run display their trophies and medals during a health and wellness event organized by the Southeast Panama Mission as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health Impact” initiative, which mobilized healthcare professionals and church volunteers to promote healthy living and provide medical services in communities across Panama. [Photo: Panama Union]
One of the movement’s most significant milestones was the official opening of the Adventist Center for Integral Health (CASI) on April 7, a new health ministry center designed to integrate preventive healthcare, spiritual support, education, and lifestyle coaching under the Adventist Model of Primary Health Care.
Led by the Panama Union Mission, the nationwide strategy focused on promoting mental, spiritual, and physical health through coordinated outreach initiatives implemented across multiple regions of the country. Church leaders described the movement as an integrated missionary effort aimed at transforming lives and strengthening community well-being throughout Panama.
Mental Health Outreach Begins in Homes
One of the initiative’s earliest programs was the “Healthy Mind Challenge,” held from Jan. 25 to March 15, during which more than 1,000 Adventist small groups opened their homes to families and community members across the country.
The meetings focused on healthy lifestyle habits, stress management, emotional wellness, healthy relationships, and Christian hope, helping address growing mental health concerns affecting many communities. Organizers said the initiative reached many non-Adventist participants and established a meaningful connection between evangelism and emotional support.
Dozens of community members listen during a health fair presentation focused on the eight healthy habits promoted through the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health Impact” initiative in Panama City, Panama. [Photo: Panama Union]
Literature Distribution and Community Education
At the same time, church members carried out a nationwide distribution campaign of Adventist health literature from April 5–10, delivering educational materials to urban and rural communities throughout Panama.
The campaign provided accessible information on healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and holistic wellness principles, reinforcing the church’s emphasis on preventive health education.
Health ministry leaders also organized wellness walks, marathons, and community outreach activities throughout each of the country’s seven local fields, creating opportunities for families, church members, and community residents to participate together in health-focused activities.
A participant runs with his dog during one of several health walks and races organized as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health Impact” initiative promoting healthy lifestyles across Panama. [Photo: Panama Union]
One of the most significant moments of the initiative came on April 7 with the official opening of the chruch’s Adventist Integral Health Center (Centro Adventista de Salud Integral), a new health center developed under the Adventist model of primary health care.
The center was established to provide preventive healthcare, health education, spiritual support, and community outreach services while encouraging long-term healthy lifestyles based on biblical principles. Its purpose extends beyond offering medical services by helping individuals develop healthier and more sustainable lifestyles integrating body, mind, and spirit.
Pastor José Smith, president of the Panama Union described CASI as much more than a medical clinic.
“We did not inaugurate only a clinic, but a ministry center for the fulfillment of the mission,” Smith said. “Every service provided here should reflect the love of Christ because the world needs not only medical treatment, but also hope and restoration.”
From left to right: Kamal Thorne, health ministries director of the Panama Union; Eveth Gonzálezm president of the Metropolitan Panama Conference; José Smith, president of the union; and Franck Généus, health ministries director of the Inter-American Division, cut the ribbon during the inauguration of the new Adventist health center on April 7, 2026, in Panama City, Panama. [Photo: Panama Union]
“We are not simply inaugurating a building, but a mission,” Thorne said, explaining that the center, together with evangelistic outreach, will become “an instrument of salvation and healing.” He added that “everyone seeking relief will find comfort; whoever seeks answers in science will find faith; and whoever finds a doctor will encounter the Great Physician, Jesus Christ.”
Currently, CASI offers services in general medicine, nutrition, psychology, psychiatry, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, internal medicine, sleep medicine, ophthalmology, laboratory services, physical training, workshops, and family counseling.
Church leaders described the project as the formal beginning of the Adventist Church’s institutional health ministry in the country, with plans to progressively expand the model throughout the country.
Organizers said the initiative became possible through the leadership of the Panama Union administration, Pastor Demetrio Aguilar, and Dr. Marcos Córdoba, pioneers of the institutional missionary medical model whose initial efforts began in 2024.
Franck Généus (third form left), health ministries director of the Inter-American Division, looks on during a tour of the new Adventist clinic inaugurated on April 7, 2026, as part of the “Total Health Impact” initiative in Panama. [Photo: Panama Union]
According to organizers, 1,538 free medical consultations were conducted during those preparatory outreach activities as a way of presenting the gospel through healing ministry.
Franck Généus, M.D., health ministries director of the Inter-American Division, also attended the inauguration and encouraged the medical team to develop their healing ministry following the example of Jesus Christ, reminding them that every patient is “a candidate for the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Mega Health Fairs Reach Thousands
The nationwide movement concluded with Mega Health Fairs held on April 12 and 19 in collaboration with the Adventist Association of Health Professionals and Panama’s Ministry of Health.
A community member has her vital signs checked during a medical brigade held in Panama in April as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Total Health Impact” initiative. [Photo: Panama Union][Photo: Panama Union]
One of the largest community events took place at La Doña Shopping Center, organized by the Southeast Panama Mission under the leadership of Pastor Luis Flores, where medical professionals and volunteers offered health services and wellness education to residents.
Local media outlets, including HispaniaMediaTV, highlighted several of the health fairs and outreach activities in local news coverage, helping expand awareness of the church’s community service efforts throughout the country.
A Continuing Mission of Hope and Wellness
Church leaders emphasized that the “Total Health Impact” movement will continue beyond the initial events through ongoing discipleship and follow-up programs designed to help communities maintain healthy lifestyles and spiritual growth.
Organizers said the initiative reflects the Adventist Church’s broader mission of serving communities through health, education, compassion, and practical expressions of Christian faith throughout Panama.