CWI Hosts Community Day in North Philadelphia
October 24, 2022On Thursday, October 20, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's (PCOM) Community Wellness Initiative (CWI) hosted a day of health screenings, giveaways, free food, fun activities for kids,
and more. The event was held at the Cambria Division of the PCOM Healthcare Centers, located in North Philadelphia.
“Doing these events show the communities we serve who we are at PCOM. We want to be
more than the doctors they see once a year, we want to be their medical home,” said
Stephen Castellano, MBA, chief practice officer for the PCOM Healthcare Centers. “These community days are an opportunity for us to introduce community members to
resources they may not have been aware of, to educate on healthcare, and to engage
with one another in a fun, casual atmosphere. If we can contribute, in a positive
way, to the neighborhoods we serve, that’s a good thing,” continued Castellano.
Students from the PCOM Hearts club were also in attendance to provide blood pressure
screenings. PCOM Hearts member and osteopathic medical student Maura Powell (DO '25) shared “As students, we can get lost in our didactic
work and events like this are a great way for us to reconnect with communities and
patients.”
In addition to the health-focused activities, the CWI also distributed free hats and
winter jackets to children, men and women in the neighborhood. In total, the CWI distributed
80 winter coats and hats. David “DJ Disko” Hopkins also provided the music for the
day's events. Several other health-focused vendors were on site for guests to ask
healthcare questions and learn about the organizations.
In a message to the local community, Flo Byrams, director of PCOM's Community Wellness Initiative, captured the essence of the day
sharing “Come get your blood pressure checked, come get a lung screening, come out
to the party, right here in your neighborhood!”
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About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands
of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists
who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms.
PCOM operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service
to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care
to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360