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 sounds of bagpipes, the sight of kilts and tartan, and the smell of corned beef & cabbage were everywhere at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds Saturday, July 16th, for the Annapolis Irish Festival. More than 8,000 people braved the heat and threat of severe weather to hear the bands, taste the food, play the games, and purchase all things Irish.
Our Patient First tent was set up within 25 yards of the entrance, giving us the opportunity to interact with virtually every fairgoer. From as far north as Aberdeen to as far south as Germantown, nearly everyone in attendance knew the work we do, and had glowing things to say about the quality of our service.
Unfortunately, the luck of the Irish ran out just before 6pm, as a powerful storm came through and literally washed away some tents. Despite the soaking, our staff hung in there, making this a positive experience for everyone!
On Friday, July 15 the Hanover County community welcomed the Hanover Tomato Festival back to Poole Green Park. This highly anticipated, family oriented tradition has been around for many years. There were several games and activities for the kids and some unique crafts and homemade goods. People came out to purchase the fresh produce and indulge in some popular tomato themed dishes.
Although the weather was warm, people were excited to be outdoors. Our friend, McGruff even took time away from fighting crime to say hello. Patient First was proud to be there to share some health benefits of tomatoes and support the return of this beloved festival.
A delicious “Blueberry Festival” tradition in Bethlehem, PA returned to celebrate its 35th milestone anniversary this year, and we were part of the festivities for the first time this year. Held over a two-day weekend at the historic Burnside Plantation — site of an 18th-century Moravian farm complete with historic barns, a Colonial kitchen garden, a pollinator garden, and an apple orchard, and affectionately known as Bethlehem’s “Farm in the City” — the annual celebration provided participants with a variety of ways to enjoy all things blueberry. We had such a fun weekend representing our Lehigh Valley centers in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton and talking with event participants about how we take care of people when they are sick or injured with non-emergency medical issues. Proceeds from this event will benefit Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites to maintain 20 historic landmarks, and Patient First is proud to support such worthwhile community activities.
We participated in the FAF Coalition/Lot 323 event in Woodbury, NJ previously a few years ago, and it has always been a fun time with large attendance. Our return to the event his year was so much fun. It is amazing to see great things happening on summer Friday evenings, all organized and hosted by a group of outstanding volunteers who bring together food, games for children and families, music, vendors of all types … including us!
The FAF Coalition champions initiatives rich in arts, culture, and sustainable design as a catalyst for community development and economic revitalization. It executes those initiatives by creating engaging places and innovative experiences that transform the lives of the community, like the Lot 323 event. It was great to be part of all of the fun on Friday evenings, and we are already looking forward to participating again.
It was picture perfect weather for a Fourth of July parade in Towson, MD Monday morning, as the city sponsored a tradition that has carried on for over 120 years.
Seven staff members from the Patient First center in Towson, just a mile and a half up the road from the parade route, participated in the event. They carried our banner and waved to the crowd, who frequently shouted their appreciation and thanks to us for the service we provide the community.
Before we knew it, we finished the length of the parade, and everyone involved said they wholly enjoyed the experience. We look forward to participating again next year!
The Hanover Township Independence Day event was just that ... Spectacular! We kicked off the Fourth of July holiday weekend by returning to one of our favorite event locations in the Lehigh Valley – Hanover Township Park at the Hanover Township Community Center in Bethlehem, PA. Even though thunderstorms were in the forecast, Mother Nature was kind to us and we enjoyed a great outdoor event that was warm, sunny and dry.
This location is literally right down the street from our Bethlehem center and we have enjoyed many events there over the years. Each time we return they welcome Patient First back with friendly, open arms.
Patient First was the first sponsor to return to the Community Center as things opened up after forced shut-downs due to the pandemic. We are already looking forward to the next opportunity we'll have to participate in an event at there.
It was a beautiful day with perfect weather for a baseball game on a Friday night in the city of Bowie, Maryland.
Hundreds of families gathered on June 17 for a night out for baseball, food and fun at the Prince George’s County Stadium in Bowie, Maryland.
Staff from Patient First came out to engage with the public by handing out promotional items and spoke about services that Patient First offers. We even snagged a picture with the Bowie team mascot.
Patient First is a proud sponsor of the Bowie Baysox baseball team. As a sponsor, Patient First nurses staff the First Aid station at every home game.
Go Bowie Baysox! We look forward to supporting more games this season!
On Saturday, June 25th, the stretch of Ebenezer Road in front of Perry Hall High School served as the site for this year's Perry Hall Town Fair. Several thousand people braved the heat and humidity to support local businesses and craftspersons, as well as entertain the kids with attractions like a butterfly feeding tent, horseback riding, and a laser tag course under the trees on school grounds.
Patient First's tent drew plenty of people all eager to take home our hot/cold packs and other promotional items, and all of whom had nothing but positive comments about our Perry Hall center just down the road. One woman virtually waxed rhapsodic, telling us how much of an invaluable community service we're providing. It's a service our staff is happy to provide, and an event in which Patient First is happy to participate!
The Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce and Whitehall Township teamed up to host the Whitehall Heritage Festival, and Patient First was part of the fun. The day celebrated the extensive heritage and history of the Whitehall area, not far from Patient First locations in Allentown and Bethlehem, PA.
Although the temperatures were in the mid to upper 90’s all day with extreme humidity, it was a fun event. In addition to all the family fun available, the event also brought people out to take a look at improvements made to the Grist Mill and Peter Grim property and highlight the new greenways and pathways in the park areas. Live entertainment and food trucks were available all day, too, and more than 50 vendors participated.
A fun added feature to the event included Civil War and Revolutionary War Reenactments and Living History regiments. We are already looking forward to the return of this event next year!
On Sunday, June 19th, 8 blocks of Water Street in downtown Lancaster, PA became a pedestrian walkway in the form of Open Streets Lancaster. Sponsored by Lancaster Rec, the City of Lancaster, and Lancaster Bikes!, this event aims to encourage physical activity, a healthy lifestyle, and positive mental health.
Patrons could walk the streets and sample food, listen to a variety of musical artists set up along several blocks, shop from local vendors, and learn about a variety of non-profit services that are available for those in the Lancaster community.
Patient First's tent was located near the temporary skateboard park, which became quite a draw for spectators. We heard from several patients who recounted how our center on nearby Oregon Pike helped them when they needed urgent care. Patient First has been a participant in this event for several years, and we look forward to doing so in the years to come.