UNMC’s second annual SHARING the Trail run/walk recently raised about $5,600 to provide health care for the community’s indigent populations.
More than 180 people participated in the April 15 run/walk at Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
In addition to fund-raising, the event raises public awareness of the SHARING Clinics, said Chris Smith, co-fund-raising chairman and a second-year College of Medicine student. “It also serves as an opportunity to draw together our board members, volunteers, and community supporters in a fun, relaxing atmosphere,” Smith said.
The money raised will go toward direct patient care at the three student-run SHARING Clinics, which operate under the mentorship of volunteer healthcare professionals. Volunteer students from the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Allied Health annually provide free/low-cost health care to nearly 1,400 people.
SHARING The Trail is only one way the clinics are financed. Each fall, students host an annual SHARING The Green golf tournament. This year, the SHARING Clinic also was the beneficiary of the All About Omaha Torchlight Ball event, which raised about $15,000. The remainder of their budget is raised through grants from private and corporate foundations.
The three clinics under the SHARING umbrella are:
- The SHARING Clinic – Providing primary care to the Omaha community since 1997.
- RESPECT Clinic – Providing HIV and sexually transmitted disease testing and counseling since 2001.
- GOODLIFE Clinic – Providing diabetes management since 2002
The SHARING Clinic has been the recipient of numerous awards including:
- Secretary’s Award for Innovations in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services;
- Minority Health Conference Award for Outstanding Minority Health Community-Based Service;
- A state proclamation recognizing one week in March as “SHARING Clinic Week” in Nebraska; and the
- American Academy of Medical Colleges Community Service Award.