Summer Medical Institute 2024

Health and Hope Door-to-Door

Combining faith and outreach, this summer Esperanza Health Center partnered with Medical Campus Outreach (MCO) to bring 15 college and medical students from across the nation for the Summer Medical Institute (SMI) - a three-week medical outreach for Christian healthcare students that teaches them the realities of urban healthcare and how to integrate their faith and career. From June 15th to July 6th, students worked in the Kensington and Hunting Park neighborhoods of Philadelphia, providing door-to-door health screens and sharing the love of Christ through conversation and prayer. This year’s SMI was led by Dr. Laura Layer, Director of MCO and pediatrician at our Kensington and Allegheny site, and Megan Owens, SMI Director.

Said Megan Owens, SMI Director, “SMI 2024 was a success by many metrics. The students bonded very quickly into an effective and supportive team. After extensive training on how to take blood pressure, screen for neuropathy, use Narcan, and share their faith, the students hit the streets on outreaches in the communities of three local churches in North Philadelphia. They knocked on 3,184 doors, screened 1,535 people and 88% of them accepted prayer. They came into contact with people in great physical and spiritual suffering and responded with compassion, empathy, and faith. Whenever God opened the door, they shared the Gospel.”

To learn more about SMI and hear student success stories, please visit SMI Student Blog - MCO Philadelphia (mcophilly.org)

Photo: Megan Owens (middle row, far left) and Dr. Laura Layer (bottom, right) with the Summer Medical Institute students.

Summer Events and Programs at EHC

There are tons of exciting events happening this summer at Esperanza Health Center and our community center, The CORE (3222 H St. Philadelphia, PA 19134). Read the list below for program details:

Clay, Play, Read! is back! Hosted by The Clay Studio, this interactive family class begins with reading books about creativity, community, and self-acceptance followed by open-ended art projects with clay and other mixed media. This workshop is ideal for families with children ages 0-8 and will be held every Friday starting July 19th at The CORE from 9 am - 11 am. Register here.
SoulfulMotion - a Christ-centered group fitness class that combines praise, worship, and fitness! This pre-choreographed High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class is made for all fitness levels and everyBODY! Join us every Thursday, 6 pm at our Hunting Park site (4417 N. 6th St. Philadelphia, PA 19140). Register here.
Ukulele Classes presented by Rock to The Future will run every Tuesday, 2-3 pm from June 24 - August 20 at The CORE. This intro class is perfect for ages 5+. There will be a performance at the end of the summer to show off everything the class has learned! Register here.
Free youth fitness memberships are happening this summer at The CORE! From June 24 - August 31, youth ages 12-17 can enjoy a free membership with The Core Fitness, and the basketball gym. Stop by The CORE to register in person, or call (215) 716-8846 to register.
Philly Youth Basketball camp is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to learn a new skill, learn teamwork, and have fun! This program runs from July 8 - August 16, Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 12 pm and is great for rising 3-8th graders, ages 8-13. PYB is free and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Register here.

ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOPE - ESPERANZA!

Support Esperanza Health Center by giving the gift of high-quality physical, social, emotional, and spiritual care to our patients, programming at our new community wellness center, The CORE, and more! Your generous gift makes it possible for us to provide a wide range of integrated services for our patients and others in our North Philadelphia communities, without regard for insurance status or ability to pay.

Join us in extending compassionate care to those in need, fostering healing and hope within our community!

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Join our ministry to provide affordable, quality healthcare services in Jesus' name! Click below to view our current open positions.

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OUR MISSION

Compelled by the love of God in Christ Jesus, in cooperation with the Church and others, Esperanza Health Center is a multi-cultural ministry providing holistic healthcare to the Latino and underserved communities of Philadelphia.