Community Health and Wellness

With renewed hope to see our community transformed physically and spiritually by the power of God, Esperanza’s Department of Community Health and Wellness actively partners with grassroots community leaders, churches, and other like minded organizations to offer opportunities for community residents to engage in activities that bring renewal to the body, mind, and spirit.

Please click below to learn more about the many opportunities for renewed health and wellness:

If you would like to partner with us in promoting health and wellness in North Philadelphia, or would like more information about any of the above programs, please contact:

Robert Reich, PA-C, MSPAS
Director of Community Health and Wellness
215-302-3150, ext. 322

Rachel Kim, MA
Assistant Director of Community Health and Wellness
215-302-3150, ext. 323

Community Health Promoter Program

Summary: The Community Health Promoter program is a 10 week, 50-hour program that trains community leaders in medical topics and health promotion. Individuals learn to plan health promoting activities and provide health advocacy and counseling to individuals within their sphere of influence.

Schedule:  The Spring 2013 class will be taught in Spanish (dates to be announced). Classes will be taught in English and will take place Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Esperanza’s Hunting Park health and wellness center, located at 4417 N. 6th Street.

Topics: High blood pressure; diabetes; asthma; cancer prevention; sexually transmitted infections; how to take a blood pressure; how to refer people to community resources; importance of prayer; dental health; nutrition; how to help individuals with addictions; domestic violence; how to recognize a medical emergency; prenatal care; newborn care; first aid.

Profile of Ideal Participant: Someone who desires to love God and neighbor; curious and interested in learning more about health; self-motivated; able to complete at least 42 of the 50 hours of training; committed to utilizing training to help others; at least 18 years of age, but preferably a mature adult; experience in helping others with emotional, physical, or spiritual challenges; exemplifies healthy changes in their own life and family.

Graduation: A Community Health Promoter certificate will be awarded by Esperanza Health Center’s Medical Director to all participants who complete the program requirements.

Instructors:

  • Robert Reich, PA-C, MSPAS – Program Director
  • Heather Bickel Stevenson, RN, MA
  • Wendell Kellum, MD
  • Esther Reich, RN, BSN
  • Christina Yi, MS, RD, LDN

Benefits: Improvement of participant’s health and their family, friends, and others in their sphere of influence; improved employability in healthcare related fields; form friendships and network with other community leaders.

Ongoing Training and Funding Opportunities: Graduates are given the opportunities to attend continuing education classes and have opportunities to apply for funding from Esperanza for health promoting activities they plan and organize.

For more information or to apply for the Fall 2012 class starting on September 10th, please contact Heather Bickel Stevenson at 215-302-3150, ext. 392, or email: heather.stevenson@esperanzahealth.com.

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SEAC Coalition Community Nights and Activities

SEAC is a coalition among Spirit and Truth Fellowship Church, Esperanza Health Center, Ayuda Community Center, and Casa de Consejeria. Our aim is to provide ongoing activities for the whole family to strengthen the lives of children, youth, and adults for a more resilient drug-free community.

Monthly Community Nights sponsored by SEAC include family-friendly activities to connect community residents to resources, including:

  • Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Counseling Services;
  • Primary Medical Care including pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, HIV care and dental services;
  • Youth Programs, including before and after school programs, summer day camp, community arts program for youth and adults;
  • Free legal services; and
  • Youth and Adult Mentoring.

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Kim, MA
Assistant Director of Community Health and Wellness
215-302-3150, ext. 323

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Diabetes Education

For those with diabetes or those at risk of developing the disease, Esperanza takes a comprehensive, team based approach to provide specialized care for each patient. We provide intensive diabetes management by pairing Esperanza’s dietitian, who is certified in diabetes care, with each patient’s personal clinician during “Diabetes Days.” In addition, patients with diabetes are encouraged to participate in a series of diabetes classes, which are also available in Spanish.

For more information, please contact:

Tabitha Miller, RD, LDN, CDE
215-831-1100, ext. 213

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Healthy Cooking Classes

We’ve begun to offer cooking classes at the Hunting Park health and wellness center, which are open to Esperanza patients and the community.

For more information please contact:

Rachel Kim, MA
Assistant Director of Community Health and Wellness
215-302-3150, ext. 323

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Fitness Classes

New group exercise classes are now taking place at Esperanza’s Hunting Park gymnasium (4417 N. 6th Street)!

Zumba (ladies only) — Mondays, 5:45 – 6:45 pm

New Cardio Kickboxing (men and women) — Thursdays, 5:45 – 6:45 pm

  • $2 per class, or $10 for 10 classes.
  • Registration starts at 5:30 pm.
  • Participants ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
  • Sorry, no childcare available

If you have any questions, please call 215-302-3600, x376.

For more information please contact:

215-302-3150, ext. 376

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Individual Nutrition Counseling

Our registered dietitians offer individual nutrition therapy for a wide variety of Esperanza patients including those who are affected by diabetes, obesity, HIV, pregnancy, and other conditions.

For more information please contact:

Tabitha Miller, RD, LDN, CDE
215-831-1100, ext. 213

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Dental Outreach

Esperanza has been partnering with the American Dental Association (ADA) for the past year to pilot an exciting new dental health position, the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC). Our CDHC, Calvin Hoops, is trained to provide oral screenings and basic preventive dental services, such as protective tooth sealants for children. He helps coordinate dental care for Esperanza’s patients and seeks to educate community residents about the importance of oral health and how to access oral health care resources. As we move forward, we plan to work with local churches and community centers to reach out to the community and improve oral health in North Philadelphia.

For more information please contact:

Calvin Hoops, Community Dental Health Coordinator
215-831-1100, ext. 218
clh@esperanzahealth.com

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