On Tuesday, August 3, the inaugural class of Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health MD Program students will be painting a portion of a mural sponsored by ruOK Berks?, the Berks County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The theme of the 45-foot-tall mural is “HOPE” and was designed by local artist Gregory Didyoung. When complete, the mural will be displayed at 525 Franklin Street in Reading. This activity is part of the medical students’ orientation week to introduce them to the community that they will not only live in, but also serve for the next four years on their path to becoming physicians.
“Being a part of something to help reduce suicide, and the stigma surrounding it, is critically important,” said Karen Restifo, MD, JD, regional vice dean, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health. “We’ve made a promise to the community that our students and faculty will be dedicated to the health and well-being of the community and this project is a clear demonstration of that commitment.”
The medical students are one of several community groups to contribute to the mural. The goal is to engage as many individuals as possible to help spread the word about services provided by ruOK Berks?. Prior to painting, the medical students will take a walking tour through West Reading with local artist Michael Miller to learn more about his connection to public art and the collection of murals that have been created in West Reading and the Greater Reading community. Miller added, “I live in the area and have been fascinated watching the progress of the school’s construction. It’s such an honor to be a part of this event.”
Sue Perrotty, Tower Health President and CEO, noted, “We are so pleased to welcome the inaugural class of students to our community and as part of the Tower Health family. In their second day on campus, they are already giving back to their new community. We are so lucky to have individuals of this caliber joining us in Berks County.”
Media is invited to attend the mural painting at Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, 50 Innovation Way in Wyomissing, beginning at 3:30 p.m. RSVP is required.
Photos from the event are available upon request.
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 25 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.
About the Drexel College of Medicine
The College of Medicine currently educates more than 2,000 future physicians, biomedical scientists, and health professionals. It offers some of the most innovative and rigorous academic programs available, incorporating Drexel's expertise in engineering and technology into patient-centered medical training. The College is home to one of the nation's leading centers for spinal cord research; one of the foremost centers for malaria study; and a highly regarded HIV/AIDS program with extensive NIH-funded research in prevention and therapeutic interventions. For more information, visit Drexel.edu/medicine.