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October 25th, 2024
Supporting Community Health as Part of Our Mission

 

Chris Gray, Ph.D. 

Founding President, Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania 

For years, I've talked about the importance of living our mission here at EC3, and as is my custom, I'm coming to you today to share another way that we are doing so. As a comprehensive community college, we of course offer a variety of educational opportunities that are accessible to all Erie County residents. We have taken steps as well to eliminate non-academic barriers to student success: installing a bus stop here on our campus and creating a student emergency fund through our foundation, for example. We know that our students' lives are complicated enough, and we want to do as much as we can to mitigate the fallout caused by chaos lottery moments in life that too often derail the plans that our students are working so hard to pursue. I'm excited to share another of the non-academic supports with you today. 

But first, you know that I must philosophize a bit; it's what I do. Three years into my presidency, it seems like we have finally emerged from most of the challenges wrought by COVID-19 – just in time for this year's flu season to arrive as the last of the leaves tumble from the trees and we find our windshields coated in the first thin layer of frost. This year, we are trying something new as autumn gives way to winter, and I'm excited to announce that we are hosting a free flu vaccination opportunity for our community on Tuesday, October 29 at Erie West from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.    

In addition to receiving free flu shots, this clinic will also offer information on other wellness services, including holistic health, yoga, plasma donation, addiction support, blood donation, and alternative medicine practices. We are hoping that, in addition to getting the flu shot before the season arrives, our community will take the time to connect with area healthcare providers and learn about other ways in which to stay healthy.   

Promoting community health at EC3 is an essential expression of our mission to support our community, including all who live, work, and study here. I view this, personally, as more than just a practical response to the coming flu season; it's a commitment to caring for one another and helping each other. When we offer vaccinations without cost, we ensure that all members of our community can prioritize their well-being without worrying about financial barriers. This isn't just about physical health; it's about strengthening the fabric of our community.  

Unfortunately, we hear far too many stories about how healthcare is not always easy to access, and it's an unfortunate reality that many of us have seen play out with devastating results in our own lives. Many of our most vulnerable face healthcare-related obstacles that are hard to overcome, from cost to location. At EC3, we are striving to combat those barriers by bringing accessible care directly to our community. The feeling of safety and contribution to a greater good that comes from receiving even a simple flu shot is transformative and it shows that we are here for one another, like a family.   

To return to the point, though, I would be remiss if I didn't again talk about how the work of education that we do here at EC3 doesn't happen in isolation. It happens intentionally when people feel safe, healthy, valued, and part of a larger whole. That's why health and wellness initiatives are always going to be intertwined with our educational mission. EC3 is built on a foundation of care. By hosting this free clinic for our community, we continue to uphold our commitment to Erie County, knowing that promoting the health of our residents is living our mission. 

Our community:  your college. 

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