VCOM - Virginia 2017 Yearbook

VRHA Virginia Rural Health Association

Shannen McGinley, President; Jessica Allen, Vice President; Kristina Michaud, Secretary; Alexandra Dezii, Treasurer

T he VCOM student chapter of the Virginia Rural Health Association (VRHA) aims to promote the VCOM mission by improving the health of local rural communities through healthcare and education. VCOM was the first medical school in Virginia to establish a chapter of VRHA. Each year, the group meets the needs of Southwest Virginia through leadership, communication, education and research. ■ ■ VRHA provided the Montgomery County Christmas Store volunteers for their annual “Shopping with Dignity” event for low-income families in the community.

Many first-and second-year students, faculty and staff gave their time to support the store. ■ ■ VRHA sponsored a non- perishable foods and toiletry drive in support of the Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Virginia. First-and second-year students donated items to help families that often have to leave their homes suddenly to accompany their children in the hospital. Also, to support the Ronald McDonald House, VRHA participated in the “Rock-a-Tee” Day and raised a significant amount of money. ■ ■ Jessica Allen, vice president, planned and hosted the

executive director of the Pulaski Free Clinic to provide an orientation to the Class of 2019 so they could participate in volunteer shifts involving collecting vitals and histories and assisting the staff with office duties. ■ ■ VRHA hosted James Palmieri, PhD, to provide his wisdom and the knowledge he wishes medical students to have if this were to be his last lecture ever. He shared great anecdotes and his desire for everyone to not focus on the little things and to always find joy in the every day. ■ ■ VRHA sponsored a team for the Blacksburg Heart Chase

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