On 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!”
For the past 125 years, 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.
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
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