UNMC has received the 2002 Public Relations Society of America-Nebraska Chapter’s Community Service Award for its extensive list of community outreach programs.
“UNMC’s leadership has a long history of identifying community needs and implementing programs to fit those needs,” said Sandy Goetzinger-Comer, director of UNMC’s public affairs. “Thanks to the efforts of many across campus, UNMC’s outreach activities not only span the Omaha community but the entire state of Nebraska.”
The annual award, which was presented to UNMC representatives on Dec. 10, recognizes an organization or business that has made significant contributions to the common good of the community through participation in important activities and through this service has reflected credit on the professional practices of public relations.
Some of UNMC’s outreach activities include:
Mini-Medical School — A four-week series of presentations, offered to the public twice a year free-of-charge, that explores one area of research. Mini-med is broadcast via satellite across Nebraska to communities such as Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, O’Neill, Red Cloud and Scottsbluff. Mini-Medical School programs can be found on the mini-medical school Web site.
The Student Health Alliance Reaching Indigent Needy Groups, also known as the SHARING Clinic — Founded in 1997, the clinic is run by UNMC medical, nurse practitioner, and pharmacy students. The year-round, weekly clinic is at the SONA Family Healthcare Clinic in South Omaha. It offers reduced-cost or free medical care to underserved populations that otherwise wouldn’t be treated.
Over the years, the students have expanded the clinic’s services to include pharmacy, social services and lab/X-ray. The clinic provides four extra summer clinics, as well as the UNMC Pediatrics Interest Group for free school physicals, immunizations and lead screening. The clinic also offers testing, counseling and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.
Since its inception, more than 400 volunteers have provided primary medical services to more than 1,000 patients.
Adopt-A-School partnerships – UNMC has adopted Fontenelle Elementary School, Monroe Middle School and Benson High School and has programs and activities throughout the year.
North and South Omaha Community Care Councils – These groups, composed of members of the community, meet monthly to look at the health issues and needs of the North and South Omaha communities.
Career Connection Science Academy — a partnership between UNMC and Girls Inc. of Omaha. Each month through the academy about 20 female fourth- through seventh-graders are introduced to different careers in health sciences.
Community Academy — a career exploration program in which eighth- through 12th-graders have hands-on learning experiences in the health science careers.
Career Day — an annual event that allows rural schools to bring up to five students apiece to spend a day with UNMC students and faculty and learn about the opportunities in the health care professions. More than 200 students participate each year from about 38 rural schools within a three-hour drive of Omaha.
Eighth Grade Health/Science Meet — an annual event in which up to 80 eighth-graders from across Nebraska are selected from the regional science meets to attend the state meet held on the UNMC campus.