On Saturday, August 1, Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley (NHCLV) celebrated National Health Center Week with Children’s Health Day at its Hamilton Street location. The event featured immunizations and physicals for back to school, free dental screenings, summer safety education, a backpack giveaway, balloon animals, caricatures, and information tables from community partners, including Cedar Crest College. Cedar Crest School of Nursing students provided blood pressure screenings for adults and child safety activities for children.
The event also marked the one-year anniversary of Cedar Crest’s partnership with NHCLV. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NHCLV is one of the region’s most vital healthcare providers and delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals and families at every stage of life.
Over the past year, Cedar Crest’s partnership with NHCLV has helped expand healthcare access in Allentown by supporting patient care for more than 645 individuals and making extended Wednesday evening hours possible.
“Having late hours has really increased our census of patients that come in after work,” said Dr. Alicia Shelkin, part-time Cedar Crest faculty member and Nurse Practitioner preceptor at the Center.
Designed as a comprehensive, one-stop healthcare center, NHCLV enables patients to receive primary care, behavioral health services, dental care, and other essential services in one location, helping reduce barriers such as transportation and financial challenges.
“I’ve been coming here for a year, and my experience has always been good. They’re very nice and they work quickly. I feel like they try to help as much as they can,” said resident Desiree Torres.
In addition to expanding access to care, Cedar Crest has furnished and equipped two exam rooms, a patient consultation room, and the waiting area, incorporating the College’s signature purple and green palette and gold ginkgo leaves throughout the space.
“Cedar Crest’s therapeutic colors and ginkgoes brighten everything up and help some autistic children who receive care here,” said Dr. Gloria Velazquez, Director of Behavioral Health & Integrated Services. “The colors and ginkgoes provide a sensory experience and are soothing for patients.”
The partnership also provides invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for Cedar Crest School of Nursing students.
Students have shared that their experiences at NHCLV have had a meaningful impact on their professional growth, increasing their confidence in caring for underserved populations, strengthening their understanding of the social determinants of health, and reinforcing the value of advocacy-focused, community-based primary care.
“Cedar Crest nurses are getting exposure to social determinants of health and practice and really serving the specific needs of this community,” said Dr. Shelkin.
The partnership creates a cycle of impact that strengthens the entire community. Patients gain access to high-quality, comprehensive care, students develop the skills and confidence to become future healthcare leaders, and the region benefits from a pipeline of providers who understand the needs of the communities they serve.
“This is a phenomenal health center, and it’s nice to have students learn in an environment where they may eventually go on to practice,” said Julie Fritz, Cedar Crest College graduate nurse student. “It’s a really great connection to have to the community.”