Rhonda M. Whitaker, BSN, RN
For Rhonda M. Whitaker, BSN, RN, community outreach is a year-round endeavor, and every season offers another chance to serve those in need. After supporting patients and their families in Pennsylvania Hospital’s Labor and Delivery unit, Whitaker continues sharing her clinical expertise and compassion outside of the hospital, often with the support and enthusiasm of her fellow church members behind her.
As an active member of the Carry Me International Ministries church, Whitaker has helped set up a well-stocked food pantry for local families struggling with food insecurity, host very popular monthly clothing drives, and distribute blankets and serve meals to homeless individuals. Whenever the congregation takes on a new volunteer project, they are committed to making it better than ever, and it’s that spirit of growth that inspired Whitaker to organize a series of “Healthy Connections” community health fairs.
With funding provided by a Penn Medicine CAREs grant, Whitaker has been able to provide free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, and she is in the process of ensuring that every interested person can not only receive a screening quickly, but also get referrals and invite follow-up conversation if the person has high readings. She also points attendees toward low-cost food and exercise programs, health care and behavioral health providers, and even domestic violence resources. She has also assembled a “best practices” guide to help those with limited access to fresh, healthy food still make nutritious choices – whether they shop at Dollar General or a discount grocery store. Healthy cooking demonstrations, raffles, and games balance out the education with a healthy dose of family fun.
“My goal with Healthy Connections is to meet people where they are and to provide them with resources that improve their health and wellness,” Whitaker said. “I’ve heard really great feedback from members of the community and the congregation. We’re focusing on the issues many people in these communities face, so everyone has been so receptive. I’m really looking forward to bringing these health fairs to the next level and working with more communities in need.”
Whitaker and her ministry are always looking for more volunteers to help them build a healthy, happy, and active community. To learn about service opportunities, email Rhonda.Whitaker@uphs.upenn.edu. Interested in pursuing your own Penn Medicine CAREs grant? Visit PennMedicine.org/Community.