On Friday, 10 May 2013, UIC nursing students took to the streets of Sant Cugat to help members of the community who visited any of the seven information points set up in the busiest parts of the city. The event "When You Have Nurses, You Have Health" was held to celebrate the International Day of the Nurse, which officially took place on Sunday, 12 May.

The student-volunteers, who were overseen by professors in the degree programme, took blood pressure readings and measured glucose levels for all those who were interested. They also offered information on health-related issues, including health education and healthy habits such as diet and exercise. The objective of the event was to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and education for health, as well as to bring the nursing profession closer to members of the community.

The inauguration of the event was attended by Dr. Antoni Mateu, the Secretary of Public Health for the Catalan government, and Esther Salat, the Councillor of Education, University and Family for Sant Cugat town council, as well as Dr. Albert Balaguer, the Dean of the UIC Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

"Catalonia's nurses are key to promoting health and preventing and providing care for chronic conditions", emphasized Dr. Antoni Mateu. "For example, they're responsible for vaccinations, promoting exercise for good health and helping people give up smoking or reduce their alcohol and drug intake. Many of these, which are linked to the prevention of chronic conditions, tackle some of the main causes of death and illness around the world. Through its Department of Nursing, the UIC has a strong commitment to promoting health, which it proves through events such as this one".

“This event sheds light on the role nurses play in the health of the community and allows students to put their knowledge into practice as they raise awareness about how important it is for people to look after themselves", said Esther Salat. "It is a community service event, as well as an educational one. We truly appreciate it when Catalan universities open up to the community".

“Events such as this one, where students participate, make an effective contribution to helping all of us realize just how important prevention and education are for health", said Dr. Albert Balaguer, the Dean of the UIC Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. "They are also important because they give the students the chance to take on the responsibilities and skills of being a nurse".