Patient First‘s commitment to the community goes beyond providing convenient, cost-effective health care. Patient First also supports numerous organizations that make a positive impact in our local neighborhoods and across the mid-Atlantic.
See what Patient First is doing in the community.
The Annual Dog Jog and 5K Run tends to bring out several hundred people and their pups. Despite the chilly and windy weather conditions on Saturday, this year was no different. The grounds of the Robins Star Humane Center were packed with people and paws that paraded down Hermitage Road for a family fun event that even non-pet owners could love.
Locals laced up their sneakers and kicked things off with the 5k run, while pups joined later for a one mile walk or jog of their choice. Even the children participated in a quick sprint down Hermitage Road. Patient First, a proud supporter of the SPCA and their mission, was excited to be a part of such a great cause.
It was a chilly and blustery day, but that wind carried with it the promise of the return of the boys of summer, at this year's Bowie Baysox Family Fun Fest!
About 12 hundred people flocked to Prince George's County Stadium in Bowie for a day of fun, games, and anticipation for the 2022 Bowie Baysox season. There were even appearances from team mascots Louie from Bowie, and the Oriole Bird!
Patient First, which staffs and supports the First Aid station at each and every home game, participated in the event welcoming families and fans, and providing information and materials, illustrating our continued commitment to the community.
Good luck to the Baysox, as we look forward to a fun-filled and successful season!
"Thank you Patient First! Wilson baseball and softball has had a long relationship with Patient First back to 2017, and we have so appreciated the sponsorship support over the years. I am a coach, and “sports dad” to a Little League, boy (Cayden) and a softball girl (Sofia). My wife and I are keenly aware of bumps and bruises that come with active children, and Patient First has served us well over the years. Although we’d prefer to NOT have to visit for obvious reasons. Five years ago before the start of the baseball season, Cayden had a playground injury, and we thought his excitement about playing ball may have ended for the season before it even started. We took him to Patient First in Wyomissing to be checked out, and sure enough, his arm was broken. That didn’t stop him from playing the season. He was quite a trooper and played with no glove and a cast on his arm. The providers and staff at Patient First took good care of him and couldn’t have been nicer. The kind folks at Patient First even helped us get him referred for a repair of that broken arm which allowed him to play the season with minimal disruption. As a parent and a coach, that has meant so much to me. Thanks again for the support … we’re hoping for a winning season. We are already winners by having organizations like Patient First support youth sports in our community. " … Dan Kovalchick, Father and Coach
Although the streets of Allentown had been quiet the past two Saint Patrick's Days due to the pandemic, things changed this year. It was exciting to see the return of so many spirited, happy people along the St. Patrick’s Day parade route, and Patient First was thrilled to be a part of the festivities. Folks in Allentown “got their Irish on” during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, and staff from Patient First’s Allentown center joined in the fun. Although the wind was challenging, and the air had more chill than we’d like on parade day, the sun was shining and the spirits were high. Everybody loves a parade, and a little wind and chilly temperatures didn’t dampen the day at all for us or for all who came out to enjoy this great tradition. It was exciting to be a part of the return of one of the Lehigh Valley’s oldest Irish celebrations, now it its 63rd anniversary year. The parade started with a 5K race, and then circled through Allentown's West End, starting and finishing at the Allentown Fairgrounds. We joined 10 pipe bands and 2,000 marchers from schools, companies, and non-profit organizations from the greater Lehigh Valley. We have already put in an advance order with Mother Nature for warmer, dry weather next year, and we will be excited to return.
Beach FC Soccer Tournament
Beach FC is a respected soccer club in the Hampton Roads area. Their dedication and commitment to shaping the future of our youth, demonstrates their value to our community. On Saturday, March 19 they kicked off their 2022 season with an annual Soccer Tournament. More than 200 teams from all over Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina gathered at the Hampton Roads Sports Complex to compete. As a longtime partner, Patient First was excited to join them and witness the excitement.
The words of Dr. Seuss are being put into practice at Oakwood Elementary School, near our Glen Burnie center. School staff and administrators are using Patient First’s donation to purchase mobile book carts for their classrooms. The goal is to make reading accessible and fun, fostering a lifelong love of academic growth.
Patient First is proud to continue supporting Colonial Heights Middle School. This year they used their donation from Patient First to help fund their Book Review Program and Free Book Friday. The programs encourage the students to get excited about reading. For Free Book Friday students are selected weekly to pick out a new book that they can keep. After reading any book of their choice a student will submit a book review that can be reviewed by their peers and staff. Once the summary is completed they are able to select a treat of their choice. The programs are separate but they work together to improve literacy skills and to cultivate an environment that supports the enjoyment of reading.
There’s no denying that since March 2020, the pandemic has taken its toll on the emotional health of students and educators everywhere. James W. Lilley, Jr. Elementary School in South Jersey, near our Sicklerville center, tackled things head on and sought ways to raise spirits. Accordingly, the have established a “PRIDE” (Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Effort) program at the school; and, they are recognizing student achievements each month. Patient First’s donation helped the school purchase “Paw Power” spirit wear T-shirts for PRIDE student leaders. Each month Lilley students are excited to learn who will be recognized from each classroom and rewarded with a special luncheon and their T-shirt. Many students have already been recognized, and this program will continue throughout the school year. Students have been excited to wear their T-shirts during the last Friday each month which is “Spirit Day” at the school. They will wear their shirts again for an end-of-year PRIDE celebration and Field Day. Keep up the good work Lilley Elementary! We are pleased to be a part of celebrating your students.
For the 2021-2022 school year Buckland Mills Elementary used a Patient First donation for the continuation of their "Kindness" murals. The two photos are of the most recent murals that were painted this past summer. Buckland Mills Elementary students love coming back for a new year to see what murals have been added. These mural are positive affirmations and an inspiration to students and staff to spread kindness.