Summer is almost over, and students are heading back into the classroom, which made August 17th the perfect time to host our second annual Back to School Health & Resource Block Party at Temple Women & Families Campus. Our neighbors joined us for free school supplies, health screenings, and educational information about Women & Families services.
“We’re here for our community,” says Kim Hanson, BSN, MHA, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, VP and Chief Nursing Officer of the Women & Families Campus. “Our new campus is dedicated to improving health outcomes for local women and families and increasing their access to the highest-quality healthcare. Free screenings, preventative programs, and available appointments empower our community members to take control of their health.”
High-Quality Care in Our Neighborhood
Representatives from the services currently being offered at Women & Families—including OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Radiology, and Family & Community Medicine—attended the Block Party to meet our neighbors. They introduced themselves, shared information about their departments, distributed educational materials, and spread the word that appointments are available now.
They also spoke about maternity services available at Temple University Hospital, including prenatal yoga and childbirth classes, as well as new programs like prenatal group care, since these options will soon be coming to Women & Families.
Staying Prepared—and Having Fun
Our Community Health Workers, who provide education and connect patients with supportive services, also offered free blood pressure screenings. “People were eager to have their blood pressure checked and to learn about standard BP, AL1C, and cholesterol levels,” says Senior Transition Navigator Tonja Belo, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC. “They were saying to us, ‘What are the normal values for these tests? What kinds of questions should I be asking my doctor?’ That’s why these screenings are so important: because they can help you identify certain health needs early and prepare you to have conversations with your providers.”
We also handed out free school supplies, including Temple Health backpacks, and celebrated the end of the summer with line dancing, face painting, water ice, and a DJ. It was a chance for local families to come together, take control of their health, and have a lot of fun doing so. And just like they came out for our Block Party, we’re committed to showing up for them.
Talking through educational materials about the Temple Women & Families Campus.
One of the free Temple Health backpacks for students starting school.