Gwinnett County residents will be the recipients of two wellness events planned by PCOM Georgia Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students in early December.

Blood Pressure Checks

On Friday, December 3, from 6 – 9 p.m., PCOM Georgia DO students, along with faculty members, will take blood pressure readings and distribute blood pressure information at the Jolly Holly Day in Suwanee Town Center, located in downtown Suwanee.

In addition, the Simbulance, also known as the PCOM Georgia Mobile Medical Education Lab, will be available for tours, while students will provide arts and crafts activities for children. The DO students’ activities and giveaways are sponsored by the President’s Community Wellness Initiative.

As the new dean of medicine at PCOM Georgia, Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP, said, “I am excited to accompany our medical students and mobile simulation ambulance to Jolly Holly Day this year. Our students will be offering information and free blood pressure checks to the citizens of Suwanee. Additionally, we will be showcasing several of our lifelike high-fidelity medical training mannequins in our very own PCOM Georgia Simbulance."

Sahara Peters (DO ’24), a second year DO student, is coordinating the event. She said, “We hope to become a trusted resource in the Suwanee community.” According to Alexander Christianson (DO ’24), “As medical students in Gwinnett County, I believe it is our duty to serve those around us by teaching our community members simple practices that they can implement in their daily lives like blood pressure checks.”

Brittany Henderson (DO ’24) added, “Part of PCOM Georgia’s mission is community wellness and blood pressure checks are a way we can offer our services. Blood pressure monitoring is important for early detection of risky diseases that can affect areas like the heart and kidneys. We’re excited to offer this service.”

Flu Shots

PCOM Georgia HEARTS Club members are working with Walgreens and the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry to administer free flu shots to the uninsured on Saturday, December 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Visit www.pcomheartsga.org to sign up.

The cooperative ministry is located at 52 Gwinnett Drive, Suite C, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. HEARTS Club members raised funds for the event through fundraisers and club dues.

Prachi Patel (DO ’24), the HEARTS Clinic student director, said, “Through our flu clinics this year, we not only hope to provide free flu shots to the uninsured in our community, but also raise awareness about healthy practices to those around us. Oftentimes people are unaware of the healthcare resources that are available to them, so PCOM HEARTS Georgia hopes to diminish that gap by providing these resources through our clinic. Our goal is to provide basic medical needs and educate our patient population with the help of PCOM Georgia’s medical students.” 

Shino Sleeper (DO ’24), HEARTS Clinic student manager, added, “The hope for our flu shot clinic is to provide a safe place for those individuals in our community that would not normally have access or feel comfortable to get their flu shot and protect their families from the flu this winter. We also hope to provide an enriching learning experience for our future health professionals.”