Who are the people in your neighborhood?
After a year of battling a pandemic that has shown no signs of slowing down, where you live and who you live with matter.
They matter not just in terms of survival but also in staying healthy, in having a sound mind so we may continue to work or make ends meet while at home, and in interacting with others so that we don’t have to be alone with our fears, anxieties, and worries.
The Good Guys have taken steps to ensure that their communities are cared for in the best possible way. One initiative is the Health and Wellness Caravan that is going around different SMDC communities.
Through the Health and Wellness Caravan, residents are given free check-ups, blood examination, blood pressure taking, chest X-ray, medicines and reading glasses.
A Philippine Red Cross doctor examines the residents and the test results, prescribes medication and provides medicines when available.
SMDC residents also help organize and serve their neighbors in true bayanihan spirit.
In a pay-it-forward fashion, the caravan includes bloodletting – an energy exchange between SMDC and Red Cross that has been going on for two years and counting. Residents donate much-needed blood for COVID-19 patients.
The Good Guys advise their communities of the Health and Wellness Caravan at least three weeks before so they may pre-register, but walk-ins are also easily managed. In a single day, at least 100 patients receive medical attention from the front liners, some of whom are volunteer residents.
Jhenny Maranan, a professional medical secretary from Trees Residences, volunteers every time SMDC conducts activities like these as her way of helping her community.
“We manage the group chat of the Trees community and let them know when helpful activities like this take place,” says Jhenny. “Knowing that our neighbor is healthy will give us peace and encourage us to do our part to remain healthy.”
Sheila Genibiazo-Calces, also of Trees Residences, is a registered nurse who works on clinical trials of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Working in three different hospitals, Sheila’s days are always full, but she does not miss the opportunity to volunteer at the Health and Wellness Caravan at Trees Residences. “It is in my DNA to volunteer and help others,” she says.
“It feels good to help others, and it makes you feel even better when you see people smiling with relief after they have seen the doctor and know where exactly they are in terms of their health,” she adds.
