PCOM Brings North Philadelphia Together for Annual Community Day

PCOM's Community Wellness Initiative recently hosted its annual Community Day at the Cambria Division PCOM Healthcare Center in North Philadelphia. The October 29 event featured a fun-filled day focused on making a positive impact in the community and putting health and wellness at the forefront.

The celebration included a giveaway of 300 winter coats, hats and gloves for all ages, along with music, free food and a variety of health screenings. Attendees also learned how to recognize an opioid overdose emergency and respond appropriately using naloxone, an opioid antidote. Julia Lees, PharmD, BCACP, an assistant professor and ambulatory care clinical pharmacist at PCOM Hassman Family Medicine Center, spoke about the importance of this type of community education.

“Someone's life could hang in the balance and be forever changed,” she said. “Training residents to respond in an emergency can help save lives across the city.”

Community members also had the opportunity to learn more about the College's SHELTER Program, which offers trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to individuals impacted by gun violence.

“Not a lot of people are familiar with SHELTER, or know it is a free resource for the community,” said Program Coordinator Oronde McClain. “I'm here to help people learn about the program because I want to spread awareness because as a survivor of gun violence myself, I know we need great resources such as SHELTER.”

For student volunteers, the event offers a first look at what to expect after medical school, providing hands-on experience helping community members learn about key health screenings, such as blood pressure checks.

“Educating the community is one of the best ways we can help prevent disease,” said medical student Claria Cunningham (DO '29), who volunteered at the event. “With many diseases, people can feel like they lose their autonomy, and that's where education can play a huge role.”