Patient First in the Community

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.

Community Relations News

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See what Patient First is doing in the community.

Patient First was excited to team up with the city of Newport News for the second annual Outdoor Enthusiast event.  After a very successful first time event in 2022, there was a lot of anticipation about what 2023 may bring. Held at Newport News Park, this showcased one of the area's many municipal parks.  With live entertainment, fun activities and games, the day was an exciting celebration of the great outdoors.  Canoeing and kayaking were available for free at the reservoir.  There was also zip lining, an obstacle course, rock climbing and laser tag, all scattered throughout the park.  Live entertainment included a DJ, a gator show and lumberjack show.  The only thing missing was the sun! Unfortunately, the event was forced to end early due to inclement weather.  However, we had lots of fun while it lasted!

Patient First would like to thank the city of Newport News for organizing such a great event.  We look forward to joining you again next year!

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Patient First was delighted to once again serve as a sponsor of the 2023 Fairfax County Earth Day event, organized by the esteemed Clean Fairfax Council. The theme of this year's annual Earth Day Fairfax was, "Healthy People, Healthy Planet".

This annual celebration of our planet's natural beauty and resources has continued to gain momentum each year, attracting a staggering attendance of over 10,000 passionate and environmentally-conscious residents. With more than 75 vendors, exhibitors, and delectable food trucks on site, the event was truly a feast for the senses.

Patient First is honored to have had the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful and impactful event, and eagerly looks forward to future collaborations in support of our community's shared commitment to sustainability and preservation.

We look forward to returning to Earth Day Fairfax next year!

Thank you to our amazing event staff!

As our event calendar returns to its familiar busy pace, and in recognition of Event Staff Appreciation Week, the Community Relations Department would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all our center staff, who've taken the time to help support our efforts!

We want you to know how much we value your contributions to making these events the successes that they are. By seeing and talking to everyone who stops by our tables, we hope you see the benefits of what you do long after they leave our care as patients, and recognize how appreciative they are of your work.

It takes special people to give of themselves to help others, and each and every one of you who've given up your time to help staff our participation at the dozens of festivals, family health nights, fun runs, and other events are very special to us. Thank you for your enthusiasm, and for being such great ambassadors for Patient First!

Without a doubt, every day is a good day to recognize and celebrate our veterans, as well as those who serve or are about to serve in our armed forces. A unique program-- "Operation Send A Vet," put together by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs ball club-- brought more than 2,000 veterans and their families together for the Pigs' home opener on April 4th. Patient First stepped up to the plate to participate in this unique celebration of our military for a second consecutive year, and we were so delighted to be part of the fun! We were present on-site with an information table, giving away items on the ballpark's concourse. In addition, our financial contribution enabled 100 veterans and their families to come out and enjoy the day, capped off by an IronPigs win!

We enjoyed so many conversations with both "old-timer" vets and new enlistees, while providing free blood pressure checks on-site, and distributing a variety of our give-away items. We even scored an opportunity for a ceremonial First Pitch, which was so much fun!

It is always nice to hear positive feedback from folks who have visited Patient First. People continue to be so happy to be able to walk into any of our centers without an appointment when they have an injury, or are feeling under the weather and need non-emergency medical attention.

This event was designed to thank our service men and women of all branches and status, by giving them an opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of a game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA. This year's event was a home run, and Mother Nature brought us warm and sunny weather, making our experience all the more enjoyable!

Health and wellness were the order of the day, as more than 25,000 people filled the Baltimore Convention Center for the 14th annual B'More Healthy Expo. This was Patient First's first time participating in this massive gathering of health organizations and exhibitors, all gathered with the intent of promoting and aiding in a healthier lifestyle for those living in the greater Baltimore area.

Our table was placed directly in front of the main entrance, and immediately across from the area with the anchors, reporters, and meteorologists from Fox45, the television station which organizes the event every year. Those two things guaranteed us an enormous amount of foot traffic past our table! Our promotional items were flying out of our hands as quickly as we could unpack them, while every person who came by told us how much they appreciated what we do for the community.

From cooking exhibitions, dance and aerobic instruction demonstrations, and several other instructional progams showcased on three stages placed around the hall, there was literally something for everyone to experience and enjoy. This is an event we certainly will return to in 2024!

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Patient First was delighted to once again be a proud sponsor and vendor at the highly anticipated George Mason University Health and Fitness Expo, taking place on Thursday, March 23. This year's expo was an exciting and engaging event, featuring a wide array of vendors, a cook-off, DJ with music, free smoothies, most importantly, free health screenings.

Attendees had the opportunity to receive blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings, as well as HIV testing- all of which are crucial in promoting disease prevention and encouraging a healthier lifestyle. In addition to the screenings, the expo served as a platform for introducing George Mason University faculty, staff, and students to valuable resources within their community that can help them live a healthier life.

By showcasing the latest in health and fitness trends, and promoting wellness through interaction and engagement, the George University Health and Fitness Expo underscores Patient First's commitment to helping people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. We look forward to attending the George Mason University Health and Fitness Expo next year!

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!

We "got our Irish on" during Allentown's annual Irish Cultural Community Day event, presented by the Allentown St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Inc.

Patient First has participated in this event many times over the years, and it has always attracted a great crowd, with lots of fun and spirited families, organizers and folks from all over the Lehigh Valley and beyond. This year was no exception. There were plenty of activities for families and children to enjoy all day.

The crowd for Community Day was enormous this year, and part of three days of Irish-related fun, including a Friday evening event, as well as the 64th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday.

The return of our complimentary blood pressure checks was well received, and we were delighted to provide many during this event. We are always so happy to work with this great group of organizers who always put together a well-run and well-attended event. We were stationed at a perfect location, too, which gave us a great interaction and many conversations with event participants. We also got to enjoy the very talented Irish dancers, bagpipes and other instrumentalists and vocalists that made for an awesome day!  

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!

 

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Patient First was thrilled to have sponsored the City of Rockville International Night, a spectacular event that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural understanding. This special occasion brought together people from different backgrounds to experience the beauty of traditional dances, clothing, and foods from around the world.

It was an unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse community, and learn about different cultures and customs. As a proud sponsor of this event, Patient First was honored to support the City of Rockville's mission of embracing and celebrating people of all cultures, creeds, and colors. We are delighted to be part of a city that values diversity and promotes inclusivity, making Rockville a true cosmopolitan city for which we all can be proud.