Temple University's College of Public Health (CPH) is once again living up to its mission of creating healthy, equitable, and thriving communities for all by hosting its most recent Give Back Day on September 14, 2024. This biannual event, held each fall and spring, brings together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to volunteer across multiple community sites in North and West Philadelphia. The initiative is a cornerstone of CPH’s commitment to public health, fostering direct connections between the university and the neighborhoods it serves, and exemplifying its dedication to building stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.
Ra'Shaun Gass, Community Engagement Manager at CPH, emphasizes the significance of Give Back Day: “We’re proud of how Give Back Day connects our students, faculty, staff, and alumni with the North Philadelphia community. It’s more than just volunteering—it’s about building relationships and making a tangible impact where it’s needed most. The energy and dedication from everyone involved in Give Back Day truly reflect our mission to bridge the gaps, foster health, and well-being in our local neighborhoods.”
The most recent event saw volunteers offering hands-on service at three locations:
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Bethel Presbyterian Church on York Street
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St. Francis Inn in Kensington
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Salvation Army West Community Corps in West Philadelphia
CPH’s service efforts took a step forward with volunteers expanding into the West Philadelphia area. "This was our first time spreading our wings and going to serve the West Philadelphia community," added Gass, underscoring the growing reach of Give Back Day.
In past years, Give Back Day has traditionally wrapped up CPH’s National Public Health Week celebrations in April, but the college has now doubled its efforts, adding a fall event to serve even more areas. CPH also plans to work with five community sites, including Bethel Presbyterian Church, Bebashi Transition to Hope, and Live to Serve, in future events, further extending its community impact.
Dean Jennifer Ibrahim, who participated in the event, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Give Back Day truly captures what it means to be part of the CPH family. It’s inspiring to see our students, faculty, and alumni come together to serve the community and live out our mission of health equity and service. I’m proud to be a part of it, and I look forward to expanding our efforts in the future.”
Upcoming Community Engagement Initiatives
The college is not slowing down after the success of Give Back Day. Several upcoming initiatives are planned, reflecting CPH’s ongoing dedication to improving public health and well-being in the Philadelphia area:
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Senior Health and Fitness Fair on September 23, 2024
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Thanksgiving Food Drive, with donation boxes placed across campus starting in October, leading to the distribution of over 100 Thanksgiving baskets to local families on November 23, 2024
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Mayors Commission on African American Males: Self-Care Workshops, focusing on empowering community members (date TBA)
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Support a Family for the Holidays, where CPH will fulfill the holiday wish lists of families in need, coordinated by Dorian Harris from the School District of Philadelphia, with gift pick-up scheduled for December 16, 2024
Through these initiatives, CPH continues to show that community engagement is at the heart of its mission. Whether providing food, health services, or seasonal gifts, the College of Public Health demonstrates its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of residents, one initiative at a time.