Interprofessional projects use the talents of students from different disciplines to help the underserved and vulnerable
By Jordi Despaigne. interprofessional program coordinator
The National Health Initiative (NHI) Community Medicine Cabinet is an interdisciplinary program that is currently being led by two passionate first-year medical students at the Bozeman foundation site, Erin Petersen and Anna McEvoy, with the collaboration of local pharmacy students.
This program provides clinical care through a supply table at a bi-monthly clinic to vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness and financial hardship through providing access to necessary medical supplies they require to maintain their health and well-being.
The program works by providing a breadth of services: vaccinations, A1c screenings, basic wound care, basic foot care, and patient education. Through these services, student volunteers have a chance to connect with their community members and listen to the challenges they face in their everyday lives.
The NHI Medicine Cabinet is a valuable resource for many individuals who are struggling to manage their health conditions. By providing access to medical supplies that would otherwise be out of reach, this program is helping to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
One of the major challenges with this work has been sustainable, consistent funding. Due to the high demand for over-the-counter medications, it has been a goal of theirs to keep up with the growing challenges that this demand brings. At the recent annual “Giving Day,” they received generous donations, but are looking for ways to maintain funding for years to come as the needs of their project grow and change.
Yet with these challenges, Erin and Anna have a great deal of volunteer support from their colleagues. “It’s amazing to see how much our class has rallied around NHI and we wouldn’t be functioning without them,” Ana said.
Within this project, consistent student commitment has instilled a reliability with the community, where many regulars know where to go for support.
Erin and Ana’s efforts are a testament to the importance of taking action to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable individuals in their communities and directing the strength and passion of their medical student community, in Bozeman and across the WWAMI-region.
In conclusion, the NHI Medicine Cabinet is a remarkable program that is making a significant impact in the lives of many individuals. It serves as an excellent example of what can be achieved when passionate individuals come together to address the healthcare needs of their community.