Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) welcomed families, neighbors, and community partners to its Lancaster Avenue Healthcare Center on August 17 for the College’s fourth annual Community Day. The event, organized through PCOM’s Community Wellness Initiative (CWI), offered an afternoon of health, education, and family fun for West Philadelphia residents.
The event offered health screenings and wellness resources for individuals and families, while children received free back-to-school haircuts, took part in face painting and hands-on activities, and joined an interactive station led by PCOM Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students to learn about the human body and first aid. Local food trucks contributed to the festive atmosphere, and visitors toured the Healthcare Center’s newly renovated community garden, a space for nutrition education and neighborhood engagement.
A highlight of the day was PCOM’s distribution of 250 backpacks filled with school supplies and toiletries. The giveaway was part of the College’s Legacy Pledge to Philadelphia250, a commitment to honor the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday by investing in programs and services that strengthen the city’s future.
“We are so grateful to everyone who came together to make this day possible—from our students and staff to our partners and neighbors,” said Flo Byarms, director of PCOM's CWI. “Community Day is one of the many ways PCOM shows its commitment to the communities we serve, and it is always inspiring to see the joy and connection it brings.”
This is the first of PCOM’s annual series of Community Days, with the next scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, at the College’s Cambria Division location. That event will feature a giveaway of 250 winter coats, hats and gloves to help local communities prepare for the winter season.
Established 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, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, 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. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. 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 general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Ally Wengel
Public Relations Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: allywe@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6325
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