FIGHT

We regret to inform you that Meg Shope Koppel, a dedicated member of the board of Philadelphia FIGHT has died

We regret to inform you that Meg Shope Koppel, a dedicated member of the board of Philadelphia FIGHT has died.  Meg did much more than just attend our board meetings, although she was a faithful participant who could be counted upon to show up and offer up her assistance at all times.  As an expert…

Gopuff donates $25,000 to support Philadelphia FIGHT COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs

“Community health organizations like Philadelphia FIGHT have played a huge role in our battle against COVID-19 and in our massive vaccination efforts,” said Philadelphia 1st District Councilmember Mark Squilla. “The Philadelphia FIGHT team has always worked hard to keep our community safe and healthy, and their tireless effort over the past year amid the pandemic…

John Bell Gets a Makeover

After years of planning and months of renovation, the John Bell Health Center re-opened to staff and patients on March 22. The redesigned space increases our exam rooms from five to nine, and there is extra space for medical case management, an expanded laboratory, and a touchdown space for staff. Two additional consult rooms, a…

FIGHT the Flu!

 Flu season is upon us! It is important now more than ever to make sure everyone is safe and protected. Philadelphia FIGHT will be giving flu shots to all patients during flu season. If you are interested, please call your provider prior to coming in the office. Jonathan Lax Center: (215) 790 1788 John Bell Health Center: (267)…

COVID-19 Community Testing Sites Schedule

Philadelphia FIGHT is providing COVID-19 community based testing. All testing events are free! You do not have to exhibit symptoms to receive a test. Click the button below to find out where FIGHT will be testing next!

FIGHT COVID-19 Community Testing Phone Number: 267-436-3126.

Mental Health and Quarantine

Adjusting to the quarantine efforts and stay-at-home order has been difficult. There has been a lot of change in a very short amount of time. Taking care of physical health is important in the face of COVID-19, and now taking care of mental health must be a focus in the face of social isolation due…

Get to know your words: Statewide Mitigation

Statewide Mitigation activities across the state to reduce the severity of the COVID-19 impact. Visitor restrictions and stay-at-home orders are some examples in PA A detailed list of activities and what it means for you is available here: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#StatewideMitigation

Advocacy Opportunities around COVID-19

Advocacy and health are closely related, and that is especially true during this period of active legislation about COVID-19. Here are some opportunities around Philadelphia and PA to contact your representatives, connect with other workers, and advocate for those in the food and health industries Attend a Town Hall to support Philadelphia Workers: https://bit.ly/3aiVHZt #SHUTDOWNBERKS: @shutdownberkscoalition Food…

COVID-19: What to Do If You Are Sick?

 So you think you have covid-19. Don’t panic! For many people, this will simply mean feeling ill for a little while. Fever and cough can be treated with medicine (NSAIDs like ibuprofen are cautioned against, but acetaminophen seems to be effective and safe), but make sure to call your doctor as soon as you start…

Get to know your words: Social Distancing

Social Distancing Keeping a distance of 3 feet between yourself and other people, especially anyone coughing or sneezing. The World Health Organization advises social distancing as a prevention tactic for COVID-19 (coronavirus) in addition to frequent hand washing and coughing or sneezing into one’s elbow Come back Friday for more detailed information about social distancing

Incarceration and Health

People serving prison sentences have much higher rates of HIV, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis than the general population. Unfortunately, competent HIV screening and care is inconsistently available. They also have higher rates of substance abuse and mental health concerns.  Once released, health care can continue to be inconsistent or inaccessible with all the life activities…

Poverty and Health

 Being healthy is expensive. There are the clearly established barriers in a lack of resources (access to nutritious food, treatment and medication costs, inconsistent insurance, etc) and lack of preventative services (dental, health, etc) which can result in more costly after-the-fact treatment. These expenses resulting in poor health and lack of treatment are crucial when…

Social Determinants of Health

 We have presented some statistics on several health disparities faced by Black Americans this month. The people working to reduce these disparities are working towards health equity. Health equity, according to the American Public Health Association, is the opportunity for all people to achieve their best health. In order to do this, some factors that…

Heart Disease and Stroke Disparity

The CDC keeps track of many different health data sets. One of these is called potentially preventable deaths. This is something of a confusing public health term.  The number of these potentially preventable deaths can be thought of as a public health goal. If all people received appropriate and timely treatment or effective public health…

Get to know your words: Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors which, when present, greatly increase an individual’s risk of developing coronary heart disease or type-2 diabetes. They are: insulin resistance (or high blood glucose levels), hypertension, abnormal blood lipids, and obesity. As with pre-cancer, the presence of these risk factors DO NOT mean you will…

Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day

Health Disparity was our Word Wednesday this week. When a group of people is more impacted by illness than another, it is called a health disparity. This can look differently depending on the specific illness. The number of people affected, the quality of life impact, and the access to treatment are all factors to consider…