Patient First in the Community

Patient First was invited to participate at the Loudoun Latino Festival on Sunday, April 5th. This annual festival highlights the vibrant traditions of Latino culture through a lively fusion of vendors, crafters, food and live music. Despite the rainy weather, the event was a success. Our table was visible from the road, making it easy for attendees to find us. We provided free blood pressure screenings and handed out Patient First merchandise.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of traditional dishes, while local artisans proudly displayed their handcrafted goods. Intricate jewelry and vibrant textiles were also on sale. Traditional Latin music filled the venue, inviting everyone to dance and celebrate their heritage. Families enjoyed a wide range of activities, including face painting, games and crafts.

The main stage thrummed with the energy of performers, from folkloric dance troupes to singers and a band each highlighting the richness and diversity of Latino culture. Overall, we had an amazing time as this community event, and can't wait to be back next year!

The 21st Annual KORUS Festival, held from May 3 to May 5 at the Annandale Center parking lot, brought together the vibrant Korean American community for a weekend of celebration. Despite the weather challenges, the festival attracted a diverse crowd with its array of cultural performances and activities. 

Friday's grand opening under sunny skies featured a mix of musical acts, traditional dances from various cultures, and energetic performances that set the tone for the weekend. Saturday's schedule was packed with talent shows, K-pop performances, and cultural competitions despite the persistent rain. Sunday saw the continuation of festivities with the Seniors Superstar Singing Contest and a thrilling performance by the world champion Chun-Jae Park Taekwondo team. 

Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including games, job fairs, and cultural showcases. Despite the rain, the community showed up in full force, eager to participate and celebrate. At the event, our table provided valuable information to the Annandale community, including free blood pressure checks and a table for kids activities. With 97 blood pressure readings taken over the weekend, our presence was felt and appreciated. Our signage in Korean attracted attention and sparked conversations, with many attendees expressing surprise and gratitude for our presence in Annandale. We also connected with young attendees, encouraging them to follow us on social media and engage with our center. 

In general, feedback was positive, with attendees mentioning seeing our advertisements in the Korean newspaper and expressing appreciation for our services. We were particularly touched by the gratitude expressed by attendees who received first aid kits from us. Overall, the festival was a success, bringing the community together and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Annandale community.

Thursday, February 15th marked our second year demonstrating the crucial importance of proper handwashing techniques at Algonkian Elementary School's Invention Expo and STEAM Fair. Our Patient First nurses kicked off their demonstration by applying a special germ solution to students' hands, which lit up under a black light. After the initial display, students washed their hands as they normally would, and a second pass of the black light revealed lingering germs. Our nurses demonstrated proper handwashing techniques, and the students ran to wash their hands again until no germs remained. The students' excitement was palpable, as they asked insightful questions about germ spread and illnesses. While kids immersed themselves in the project, parents expressed their appreciation for Patient First, with some mentioning visits to the Sterling location. Teachers from various locations, like Gainesville, stopped by our table commending our center. The principal also took a moment to say hello, extending a warm welcome and inviting us to participate in next year's STEAM Fair. We're thrilled with the positive impact of our demonstration, and look forward to returning next year.

Patient First recently participated on Market Day at Strathmore Elementary. The event took place at the school’s gym and was held from 4:30 until all of our giveaway items were gone!

The event is organized by the school to help their students and community with free fresh produce and shelf stable items. High School students are also encouraged to volunteer at these events by helping distribute produce, sanitary needs, and running heavy bags back to cars.

Our table was located near the exit. We had blinkers, hand sanitizers and band aids along with other Patient First goodies. We enjoyed interacting with everyone that came by to say hello and answered a few questions regarding insurance and self-pay pricing. 

Overall, the event was a success! There were only a few boxes of broccoli and some fruit left by the time the doors closed. 
 

On January 11, we had the privilege of participating in a PEP(Parents as Educational Partners) meeting at Leesburg Elementary School, marking the beginning of our partnership with them. The PEP meetings serve as a crucial outreach to the community, engaging parents with valuable information. 

This month’s focus was on health, featuring a presentation by the school nurse addressing important topics on when not to send children to school. I presented our “Are You Too Sick for School” information. Approximately 65 parents attended the event with their children, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. Following my presentation and the nurse’s session, there was a Zumba class. Additionally, the school provided food and free winter clothing, emphasizing their commitment to the community’s well-being. 

The event served as a powerful connection with the community, fostering positive relationships and reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of Leesburg Elementary School and its families. 
 

Patient First had the honor of sponsoring the 35th annual Sterling Festival on Saturday, October 7th, 2023. Every year the Sterling Foundation throws a massive block party surrounding the Sterling Community Center. Local artisans, crafters and businesses are invited to participate at this event. Attractions include an obstacle course, games, live music, a beer garden and much more for both adults and kids to enjoy.

Unfortunately for us, Mother Nature was not on our side. We had rain on and off throughout the event and winds that were at times too strong. Despite of the weather, we were able to interact with a lot of families that frequent our Sterling location, which was only 3 miles away.

This event is one of the largest in Sterling, and it is always a favorite among locals who anxiously its arrival every October. Overall, our Patient First staff had a great time and hope to be back next year!

Cooper Lane Elementary School and the community held their Block Party on Friday, August 25th. Patient First is a proud sponsor of this event, and happy to be back!

The event was held outside at the school's blacktop/playground area. It was a very hot and sunny day, but in spite of the heat we had lots of families lined up around noon. There was music playing for the entirety of the event, as well as snacks and free backpacks. Parents and students were also able to meet and greet their teachers. 

Our Landover location is a mile down the road, so everyone that came to our table knew of Patient First! We heard great things about the care we provide, and how smooth-sailing everything is. We got a lot of questions regarding what school immunizations we provide and our self-pay pricing. Overall, we had a great time, everyone was so kind and grateful. 

Patient First wishes an amazing school year to all the teachers and students at Cooper Lane Elementary! We hope to see you again next year.
 

To celebrate America's independence, Gaithersburg's Summerfest played out on the expansive grounds of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm on Saturday July 1st.

Sponsored by the Gaithersburg Department of Parks and Recreation, the day-long festival featured live music, food trucks, local breweries, and tons of family-friendly activities, which were slated to culminate in a spectacular fireworks display. Unfortunately, Mother Nature provided some fireworks of her own, in the form of a severe storm, which forced the event to end early, and the evacuation of the grounds. 

A beautiful, warm day in Gaithersburg's Bohrer Park provided the perfect backdrop for thousands attending this year's Gaithersburg Book Festival! . A celebration of books, writers, and literary excellence, Patient First was a proud sponsor of this year's festival!

As a sponsor of many of the local sports in the area, we saw a lot of kids wearing their shirts with our name on it. We also received a lot of "Thank You's" from parents for sponsoring those sports. Everyone who came by our table had nothing but great things to say about their experience at the Patient First centers in Aspen Hill, Rockville and Germantown.

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!