Health Education With Our East Harlem Neighbors
On September 22, 2026, Preferred Pharmacy joined Taft residents at 1730 Madison Avenue in East Harlem for a presentation about diabetes, healthy eating, and medication organization. Anna Kelmenson, PharmD, Supervising Pharmacist, and Maribel, Store Manager, led the gathering together. Residents had an opportunity to hear practical information, ask questions, and spend time with members of the pharmacy team.
Talking About Diabetes and Healthier Food Choices
Anna spoke with residents about diabetes, nutrition, and realistic ways to make healthier choices in everyday life. She discussed portion control, building a more balanced plate, reading food labels, and being mindful of foods and drinks with added sugar.
The conversation focused on practical choices residents could think about when planning meals and snacks.
Helping Residents Stay Organized With Medications
Medication organization was another part of the presentation. For someone managing several medications, keeping track of what to take and when can become complicated.
Anna discussed ways to stay organized and showed residents how medication packaging, including blister packs, can help arrange medications by day and time.
Questions, Conversation, and Time Together
The presentation gave residents an opportunity to ask questions and talk openly about their health, medications, nutrition, and everyday challenges.
After the presentation, we served lunch and snacks to our guests and enjoyed more time together.
Photos From the Taft Presentation
A look at the presentation, conversations, and educational materials shared with Taft residents in East Harlem.
A Practical Conversation About Diabetes and Healthy Living
Anna Kelmenson, PharmD, spoke with Taft residents about everyday approaches to diabetes management, healthy eating, and staying organized with medications. Her presentation focused on practical ideas residents could discuss with their own healthcare teams.
Building a Balanced Meal
Using a nutrition plate, Anna showed a visual way to think about vegetables, protein, carbohydrate foods, and portions. She emphasized that the plate is a guide, rather than a rule that every meal must follow exactly.
Making Everyday Food Choices
Anna discussed drinks with added sugar, planning meals and snacks, and reading Nutrition Facts labels. She explained why serving size and total carbohydrate are useful information to notice when reviewing packaged foods.
Keeping Medications Organized
Anna encouraged residents to keep an up-to-date medication list and ask their pharmacist when directions are unclear. She also demonstrated blister packaging as one option that may help organize eligible medications by day and scheduled time.
Anna reminded residents that individual diabetes and medication plans should be discussed with the healthcare professionals who know their health needs.
Looking Forward to More Community Conversations
Preferred Pharmacy has served Harlem and East Harlem since 2012. Our team works hard to help neighbors stay informed about their health and medications. We look forward to more opportunities to meet with residents, listen to their questions, and share useful health education.
We are grateful to the Taft community for welcoming Anna and Maribel, and to everyone who joined the conversation.
Your health is our priority.
Explore more community storiesStaying Connected With Our East Harlem Neighbors
Preferred Pharmacy has served Harlem and East Harlem since 2012. Our September presentation with Taft residents gave Anna and Maribel an opportunity to share practical health and medication information, listen to neighbors' questions, and spend time with the community we serve every day. We look forward to more opportunities to connect with residents across Harlem and East Harlem.
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