Heroic Health Connections
Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso’s Superheroes Health Fair Connects More Than 300 Children with Care and Community Resources
The back-to-school event offered more than 30 physicals, 300 backpacks and resources from 25 community partners
More than 300 children and their families filled the clinic at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso at Alberta on a Saturday in July for the Superheroes Health Fair. Hosted by the General Pediatrics Outpatient Division in partnership with El Paso Health, the back-to-school event paired real-life healthcare superheroes with costumed characters inspired by comic books.
The clinic's care team performed over 30 physicals, and 25 community partners offered everything from dental screenings to mental health resources. For Maria Theresa Villanos, M.D., division chief of ambulatory pediatrics and medical director of the pediatric clinic, the turnout confirmed that families are eager for accessible healthcare wrapped in a little fun.
“It was packed," Villanos said. "The families enjoyed popcorn, music, face painting, photos at the photo booth and the appearance of the superheroes, plus raffle prizes and healthy lifestyle counseling.”
A Clinic Turned Superhero Central
While costumed superheroes greeted children for photos, pediatricians transformed routine visits into comprehensive wellness checks during the fair on July 11. Staff conducted Texas Health Steps checkups, well-child visits and sports physicals, measuring weight, height and body mass index (BMI) while providing personalized healthy lifestyle counseling. Medicaid or private insurance covered most checkups, while uninsured children, including nonpatients, could receive sports physicals for $25.
El Paso Health sponsored 300 backpacks for the first children through the door, reflecting the event's goal of assisting families in time for back-to-school.
Partners Multiply the Impact
Twenty-five community partners turned the clinic into a one-stop wellness hub. They included the Foster School of Medicine departments of dentistry, psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology, alongside the Child Psychiatry Access Network. For Julianna M. Khoury-Martin, M.D., assistant professor and chair of community outreach for the Pediatrics Ambulatory Division, the collaboration was the point.
“We were very excited to see the community come together for children's health in preparation for this school year,” Dr. Khoury-Martin said. “The capacity attendance speaks volumes, especially after the event’s hiatus following COVID.”
That community-first approach reflects a broader institutional identity. Texas Tech Health El Paso, the Borderplex’s only independent academic health sciences center, has emphasized early clinical exposure and cultural competency to prepare Foster School of Medicine students for grassroots outreach like the Superheroes Health Fair.
Behind the Capes
Organizers credited a wide circle of support for pulling off an event of this scale. Interim Department of Pediatrics Chair Manuel de la Rosa, M.D., and administrator Lori Ruthledge provided institutional backing, while clinic manager Alex Lopez and head nurse Cecilia Lindsey handled hands-on coordination, earning praise from Drs. Villanos and Khoury-Martin. Volunteers and vendors rounded out the effort, filling gaps ranging from face painting to raffle logistics.
The event's design, part health screening and part neighborhood block party, aligns with Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso pediatrics’ everyday model of care. Staffed by board-certified pediatricians, the clinic offers same-day appointments and a 24-hour parent hotline, extending the fair’s accessibility year-round.
For families across El Paso, the takeaway was simple: healthcare can show up in a cape. A Saturday morning of fun delivered more than 30 physicals, started dozens of counseling conversations and provided 300 backpacks for the new school year.
About Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso
Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso is the medical practice of Texas Tech Health El Paso. It’s the region’s largest multispecialty medical group practice, with over 250 specialists providing world-class patient care for the entire family at several locations across El Paso. The clinics also serve as the active learning space for Texas Tech Health El Paso resident physicians and students. To learn more, visit ttpelpaso.com.