Over the years, Yun Mi Kim, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, CNOR, has passed the University Square Complex countless times on her way to and from work. The complex is across the street from PPMC’s patient parking lot and is home to hundreds of seniors aged 62 or older. When COVID-19 struck the city last year, Kim — a psychiatric nurse practitioner and per diem OR nurse who is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Penn — grew concerned about the health and safety of those residents.
“I had COVID myself, and I knew firsthand how hard it was to track down necessary supplies,” she said. “Many of these residents have limited mobility, are non-English speakers, and face many financial constraints. How were they ever going to get what they needed?”
Kim decided to take action. She wanted to empower the seniors by ensuring they could access a simple, but powerful tool to safeguard themselves — thermometers. She applied for her first Penn Medicine CAREs grant, and with the help of Community Relations manager Laura Lombardo, she was able to purchase enough for the entire complex. While distributing the thermometers, Kim was “touched” by the residents’ gratitude; comments like, “No one comes to see us anymore!” underscored the importance of her efforts.
Though vaccination rates continue to rise, researchers and providers still recommend taking precautions to reduce the risk of transmission. Kim is hopeful that with their thermometers, the residents will be able to self-monitor and be proactive in their own care for the duration of the pandemic. She is eager to check back in with them soon, connect them with more supplies if needed, and continue building Presby’s relationship with the residents.
“I want them to know that they matter. So much has happened, and so much has changed, but when it comes to this CAREs grant — and to all of the community service Penn Medicine staff have done — the impact is ongoing,” she said. “If you have the tools to better someone’s life, why not do it?”
Interested in funding your own outreach project? Apply for a Penn Medicine CAREs grant at PennMedicine.org/Community