College of Medicine
Community Outreach
A Healthier Community
Outreach to our local community is key to the Penn State College of Medicine experience.
From participation in a collaborative workgroup to identify the health needs in the area, to our student-run medical clinics, College of Medicine faculty, staff and students help make the greater Hershey area a better and healthier place to live and work.
Community Outreach Projects
LionCare
LionCare is a free clinic run and staffed by medical students. The goal of LionCare is to provide free health services to the uninsured and underinsured population in the communities served by Penn State Health while providing an engaging educational experience for students. LionCare operates clinics in both Harrisburg and Tyrone, Pa.
SCOPE
The Student-run and Collaborative Outreach Program for Health Equity (SCOPE) is a mobile student-run free clinic that aims to bring forth affordable, effective and culturally responsible health care to underserved patients in central Pennsylvania. SCOPE’s work is performed under the supervision of and in collaboration with Penn State Health.
LION Mobile
The LION Mobile Clinic uses a student-led free clinic model to increase access to health care and proactive health choices for under-resourced communities of Pennsylvania. The clinic strives to provide comprehensive healthcare services, address food insecurity, promote economic development and enhance sustainability practices.
PRO Wellness
Penn State PRO Wellness educates and inspires youth and their families to eat well, engage in regular physical activity, and become champions for bringing healthy choices to life. The group provides schools, communities and organizations with program development, assessment, collaborative partnerships and access to proven wellness interventions.
Community Health Needs Assessment
Penn State Health's Community Health Needs Assessment was designed to identify and address the needs of residents living in a five-county area. The study identified the most pressing health issues in that area. Information collected is used to inform community benefit investments, guide health improvement initiatives and advance population health strategies.
Other Ways to Get Involved
In addition to the LionCare student-run health clinic, students in the College of Medicine also volunteer with:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Hershey-area nursing homes
Ronald McDonald House
Child Life at Penn State Health Children's Hospital
Shalom House Women's Shelter
Bethesda Missions Men's Homeless Shelter
Cenacle Children's Shelter
Central PA Food Bank
Blood drives
Adopt-A-Highway Project
AIDS Awareness educational programs
Family Practice Interest group Tar Wars elementary school smoking-prevention program
Nittany Lions vs. Lambs Relay Fundraiser
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Jewish Family Services
Habitat For Humanity
Hospice of York County
The Salvation Army
Special Olympics
American Cancer Society
Prospective or current College of Medicine students or investigators who want to get involved with any of these organizations can call 717-531-8563.
Partner Organizations
Four Diamonds Fund
The mission of Four Diamonds is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Health Children's Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research. Any family with a child being treated for pediatric cancer at Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey is eligible for support.
Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network is a nonprofit affiliated with 170 children’s hospitals, including Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. The organization raises funds for children’s services and creates community awareness of children’s issues. All money raised by CMN goes directly toward patient services, research, equipment, program services and educational resources.