College of Public Health gives back on Volunteer Day

The College of Public Health kicked off the new academic year with its third annual College of Public Health Volunteer Day on Aug. 20.

College of Public Health students Gina Schwieger and Daina Keehn prepare to make the first cut while on-site with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

Forty-one current and incoming students, faculty, staff and alumni gave back to the community by working with Open Door Mission and Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

“I can’t think of a better way to start the new academic year than giving back to those in our community who need it most,” said Jane Meza, Ph.D., senior associate dean and chair of the UNMC Department of Biostatistics in the College of Public Health. “I am particularly inspired by our students who worked so hard and with such enthusiasm.”

Some volunteers packed 520 food boxes for the Open Door Mission food pantry that will help serve up to 7,200 families in one month. Others joined Habitat for Humanity to side, paint, and drywall three homes. They worked side-by-side with future homeowners, who contributed 350 sweat-equity hours into the construction to qualify for no-interest home loans.

Kandy Do, who is studying health disparities, said they walked in to do volunteer work and walked out with construction skills.

“We also walked away learning that the home would be a long lasting and affordable place where a family would live and create memories. Omaha is so fortunate that Habitat for Humanity is involved in creating homes. It was an honor to work with the friendly staff that taught us everything we needed to know to assist in building the home. It was great to see and be a part of the action of organizations that are addressing public health issues every day.”

Volunteer Day was sponsored by COPH Student Affairs, the Student Association and the Alumni Engagement Council.