UTMB students in Dr.Thom Mendez's N 3511 Psychosocial Dimensions of Care class collected 1,777 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste for mental health patients at Michael E. Debakey Veteran's Medical Center (VA) and Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC). The students recognized during clinical rotations at the VA that many of the veterans on the mental health units did not have access to toothbrushes. After inquiring as to why, they learned that the hospital relies on the public to donate these items. Five of the students –Jennifer Fagan, Alyssa Powell, Sam Gladbach, Lindsay Laskowski, and Sarah Foster – proposed the idea to the class, which came together as a whole.

A new campaign to collect appropriate books, magazines and other reading materials for the patients at the HCPC is currently under way.

UTMB student named Houston-Galveston Albert Schweitzer Fellow

UTMB fourth-year medical student David Darrow was chosen as a 2011 Schweitzer Fellow. Schweitzer Fellows provide more than 2600 hours of service in communities across the Houston-Galveston area every year, bringing with them a passion and enthusiasm for service, as well as a deep commitment to working with underserved communities.

 

Darrow designed an ambitious service project to create and implement an interactive curriculum and training program in Galveston neighborhoods that focuses on community gardens, nutrition and diverse health topics. 

 

Working with  St. Vincent’s Clinic, David will incorporate local traditional cultural practices and narratives. 

Support Staff Professional Star of the Month