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.
As we close out the month of March, also known as National Women's History Month, let's take time to recognize a woman who contributes to making the community a better place. Dr. Elizabeth Jenkins is a Colorado native and received her medical degree from the University of Colorado in 1996. She is board certified in family medicine and joined the Patient First team upon relocating to Virginia in 2002. Since joining the company, she has worked at multiple Patient First locations in the Richmond region. In addition to being a provider, she has also served as a trainer for new hires and a number of recertification courses. She has also taken the time to be interviewed by local media outlets, providing important information on topics to keep the community safe.
On Saturday, Dr. Jenkins volunteered her time to speak to over 100 girls at the Girls in Medicine Camp-In at the Science Museum of Virginia. Her topic on eye health was informative, relatable and interactive. She was able to keep her audience engaged with ease and the crowd appeared motivated. At the end of her presentation, many girls asked several questions about how to become a doctor. Dr. Jenkins' favorite thing about being a doctor is helping people and learning new things. A true measure of success is not always what you do for yourself, but the good you do for others. Please join me in saluting Dr. Beth Jenkins for all the good she does for our community!
Nutzy's Annual Block Party returned to the Diamond on Saturday, March 4th. Hundreds of people came out to celebrate the upcoming 2023 Richmond Flying Squirrels' season. There were several vendors, games and activities for the kids. Nutzy and several of his character friends joined the excitement, participating in line dances and an autograph signing. The sun shone brightly, but the winds were swift, making it an overall chilly day. Fortunately, as the season progresses that tends to usher in the warmer weather.
This was the first time Patient First participated in this event, but we look forward to repeating this one in 2024. Here's wishing the Richmond Squirrels a great season ahead!
Jenkins Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia is an ongoing partner of Patient First. This school understands the importance of reading and focuses on initiatives to not only support the students, but also impact the community. This year, Jenkins used their donation to purchase books for their book vending machine. With this machine, students have access to brand new books at their fingertips. Jenkins also participates in the Books on Bikes program. This platform allows the children to ride their bikes while delivering books to members of the community. There are so many great benefits to reading, and it is something that we all can enjoy. Patient First would like to say "hats off" to Jenkins Elementary for positively impacting its students and the community!
Schools lay at the heart of the community as the constant link that tie people together. Each year Patient First donates to multiple schools in the Mid-Atlantic region to help support the needs of its students. This year Maude Trevette Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia decided to focus their donation on the purchase of ukeleles. Music instruction is a great way to help regulate emotions and focus on social and emotional development. It also creates community, a sense of achievement, and is a great way to build self-confidence. We hope that these musical instruments allow the kids a comfortable form of self-expression, while creating enjoyable interactions amongst their peers.
Making our way downtown on the streets of Richmond, Virginia for the 39th annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade-- what better way to get you in the holiday spirit than a community coming together to spread a little Christmas cheer!
Patient First was excited to be one of 93 parade participants involved this year. Our wonderful staff came out to volunteer their time and assist with carrying the giant Abby Cadabby balloon. Abby is a fairy in training from Sesame Street that was 35 feet long. This required a bit of determination and a lot of teamwork, especially with an unfavorable forecast. Rain was predicted to begin right before the start of the parade and continue until early afternoon. With fingers crossed and high hopes for sunshine, the weather did exactly what it said it would. Parade goers lined the streets with tents, ponchos and umbrellas, cheering us on as we made a splash down the over two mile parade route. Despite the rain, we were still able to have a fun, and memorable experience. We cannot wait to see what's in store for year 40!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Colors changing, leaves crunching-- what better way to welcome fall than the Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival! Located on 60 acres of farmland in the city of Hampton, there were lots of activities for the kids at this 2-day event. There were food trucks, live music, pumpkin chunkin', face painting, a pumpkin patch, a playground, hayrides and of course, a visit with the animals. Some of the kids arrived in their costumes anticipating Halloween.
This was the first year that Patient First participated in this event. With so much to see and do, we can't wait to see what's in store for next year. We enjoyed the event and look forward to seeing you all in 2023!
Nuckols Farm Elementary School was excited to bring back their annual Fall Festival for the 2022-2023 school year. This was a fun event for the families to enjoy. From rock climbing to cake walks, a silent auction and bounce houses, there were so many activities for the kids and kids at heart.. Many families dropped by the Patient First table to pick up some goodies, and our very own physician assistant from the Midlothian center was in attendance with her daughter.
As a community partner, Patient First was delighted to attend this event to promote health and wellness. We all enjoyed ourselves and look forward to joining the Nuckols Farm community next year!
After a three year hiatus, Naval Air Station Oceana opened their gates to the public for a riveting air show so loved by the community. The highly anticipated performance drew in over 330,000 people over the three day weekend; a record breaking number in over 20 years. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels were the headlining act, accompanied by a number of other flight crews, jet trucks and sky divers. Jet engines roared and exhaust smoke filled the air as the crowd cheered and stood gazing in awe. Sunshine and clear blue skies created the perfect scene to a showcase of unforgettable performances.
Patient First is deeply rooted in the military community and proudly supports our troops . We were excited to be a part of such an amazing experience and look forward to seeing you all next year!
Beach Events kicked off their annual Funk Festival at the Virginia Beach oceanfront on 24th Street. For 12 years, this exciting festival has brought people together for a weekend of music and fun. We know the saying that music is medicine for the soul. Inspired by several genres of music, funk's rhythmic pattern makes dancing hard to resist. People lined the boardwalk, grooving to music while stopping by the Patient First tent to collect free promotional items.
With good weather and good vibes, Patient First was happy to participate in this electrifying event. We had a great time, and look forward to seeing you all next year!
The Carytown community celebrated 40 years of the beloved Watermelon Festival with perfectly mild weather and sunny skies. The festival stretched over several blocks with vendors, music and food trucks. This was a great way to bring folks together. A projected 100,000+ people were in attendance and over 3,000 watermelons were cut and used to serve the patrons. From freshly cut watermelon to deep fried watermelon, everyone was sure to find something tasty to enjoy.
Patient First has participated in this event for years. Who knew that something so sweet and enjoyable could be so good for you? Patient First was happy to share the health benefits of eating watermelon, along with some creative watermelon recipes. And of course we brought Band-Aids and hand sanitizer too. We’d like to thank the folks of Carytown for a great time. We look forward to seeing you all next year!