Germ City

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Evangelical Community Hospital is pleased to be the first hospital in the nation, and the first organization in Pennsylvania, to offer Germ City.

“Germ City: Clean Hands, Healthy People” uses an entertaining technique to help children, parents and teachers look differently at an invisible problem: germs. The hands-on experience lets everyone examine the effects of improper hand washing—in a new light.

The focal point of the Germ City program is a large, walk-through tunnel equipped with black lights. Participants apply black-light-sensitive lotion and enter the tunnel, seeing pretend germs on their hands. After initial observation, participants wash their hands normally, re-visit Germ City, and assess the effectiveness. Sometimes they are pleased with their hand washing; other times they are not. It’s a “hands-on” experience. Everyone has an opportunity to learn about the importance of frequent, effective hand washing and see immediate results.

“While this is a great program for kids, it’s also very beneficial for adults and community groups,” said Nichole Hockenbrock, Director of Community Health Education. “Right now there is a big emphasis on
pandemic preparedness and ways to prevent a pandemic through proper hygiene methods, such as hand washing. Germ City can also help adults understand how easily and quickly a virus such as influenza can spread.”

Evangelical Community Hospital is the first hospital in the nation, and the first organization in Pennsylvania, to offer Germ City.

Germ City was sponsored by the Buffalo Valley AM Kiwanis, the Rotary Club of Selinsgrove, The Colour Shoppe at Headlines in Danville and Evangelical Community Hospital.

Would you like for Germ City to come to your school or civic organization? Evangelical Community Hospital will also be taking requests for Germ City to visit schools, civic groups, fairs and events. Please call Community Health Education at 522-2693 for more information.