Under the direction of Pam Cromer, DNP, director of Community Engagement at Augusta University’s College of Nursing, two community health clinics were recently held at Julian Smith Casino. These events aimed to provide healthcare services to local residents and offered nursing students practical experience with patients.
On January 27, the fourth annual Health and Wellness Clinic for Employees of Horizon Motor Coach took place. Cromer and alumna Debbie Layman collaborated with Al Harris, owner of Horizon Motor Coach, to offer employees mock Department of Transportation exams, access to community resources, and health screenings. Many Horizon employees are responsible for transporting Augusta University students and staff.
“At the Horizon Truckers Clinic, I had the privilege of mentoring students in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program as they conducted DOT exams for local drivers,” said Gena Markwalter, DNP, assistant professor in the College of Nursing. “Seeing students interact with patients and put their skills into practice – while at the same time expanding access to essential health services in our community – is incredibly rewarding.”
The following day featured the Healthy Grandparents Program’s Grandparents Clinic. Enrolled members received complimentary laboratory tests, health screenings, vital checks, and information about available resources. Mike Patton, HGP program manager, worked alongside Cromer to organize this event focused on supporting grandparents’ health.
“We want to make sure they are healthy enough so they can take care of their grandbabies,” said Luci Marchant, a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. “We’ve done blood pressures, blood sugars, I gave some shots today, and we’re educating on how to give CPR. People are asking us really hard questions, which is really nice and challenges us as nursing students.”
“I think this is amazing because it actually gives me the confidence to talk to people and see how it’ll be as a nurse practitioner in the future,” said Keshia Allen, a third-year student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. “It’s important to get to know the people in your community that you’re going to work with, and it builds that trust before you become their health care provider.”
Both clinics involved contributions from multiple colleges, departments, volunteers and community organizations.
