Nurse’s Thoughtful Initiative Brightens Back-To-School Season for Local Children

August 12, 2024

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – With the help of a few colleagues, volunteers, and donors of Susquehanna Health Foundation, Demaree Koehler, RN, UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency, made the idea of donating back-to-school supplies a reality. During the month of August, every patient aged five- to 12-years-old scheduled for a wellness appointment at the UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency office will receive a cinch bag full of school supplies ensuring they are well-equipped and eager to start the new year.

“Coming to the doctor’s office can be nerve-wracking for kids – while everyone on the health care team makes the appointments as comfortable as possible for their patients, they still might have to get vaccinations or other exams that might make them a little uneasy,” said Koehler. “I just wanted to be helpful and do something special for our patients and their families to help distract and even excite them during their back-to-school physicals.”

With wellness in mind, each bag contains items like water bottles, tissues, and hand sanitizer, in addition to traditional school supplies like a notebook, folder, pencil case, pencils, highlighters, index cards, and much more. The team also included little notes of encouragement and inspiration as an extra way of going above and beyond for their patients.

“We are incredibly proud of Demaree for her thoughtfulness and hard work,” said Kristen Tubbs, administrative assistant, UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency. “Her initiative is a testament to the caring and community-focused spirit of our team.”

The UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency is committed to providing exceptional care and support to the community. The office is located in the UPMC Health Innovation Center, 740 High St., Williamsport, and to schedule an appointment, call 570-321-2345. To learn more about UPMC Family Medicine services in north central Pa., go to UPMC.com/PrimaryCareNCPA.