Volunteers Make a Difference at Annual Community Block Party
More than 100 volunteers from Albany Medical Center and Albany Medical College came together to support the 23rd Annual Dr. Pamela Harper Community Block Party, bringing health education, safety resources, and family-friendly activities to residents of Albany’s Sheridan Hollow neighborhood. Faculty, residents, medical students, and staff spent the day connecting with community members, sharing information, and helping families access important health and safety resources.
Volunteers from the Department of Family & Community Medicine led hands-only CPR demonstrations, while pediatric residents provided free bicycle helmet fittings for children. Members of Albany Med’s Trauma team shared education on e-bike and firearm safety. Medical students from the Family Medicine Interest Group staffed 11 educational tables, offering engaging activities and information designed to help children and families learn about healthy living.
In addition to educational programming, Albany Med volunteers helped register attendees, distribute free food, operate the grill, and support activities throughout the day. Volunteers served in both morning and afternoon shifts, ensuring community members had access to resources and support during the event.
“We heard from so many members of the community just how much they appreciate our continued involvement each year,” said Theresa Weinman, academic coordinator in the Department of Family & Community Medicine. “Whether volunteers were sharing health and safety information, fitting bike helmets, serving food, or engaging children and families in meaningful conversations, they made a difference.”
The annual block party has become a longstanding tradition for Albany Medical College students, faculty, and staff, reflecting the institution’s commitment to service learning and community engagement. The event provides an opportunity for future physicians and health care professionals to build meaningful connections with the community while promoting health, safety, and wellness outside of the clinical setting.
The event was renamed in 2023 in memory of the late Pamela Harper, PhD, a beloved minister, educator, and community advocate whose dedication to Sheridan Hollow and the City of Albany continues to inspire generations of volunteers and neighbors. Each year, the Dr. Pamela Harper Community Block Party serves as a reminder of the power of partnership, bringing together community organizations, volunteers, and residents to celebrate health, education, and neighborhood connections.