PA Students Raise, Donate Money to Immunize Underserved

December 3, 2008

On November 19, 2008, CMU's Physician Assistant Program Class of 2010 presented a check in the amount of $400 to the Central Michigan Health Department to fund influenza immunizations for underserved Michigan residents. 

During National PA Week, the 2010 Class organized several fundraising activities to provide free flu shots at this year's flu immunization clinics.  The clinics, held and operated annually by the Central Michigan Department of Health, serve to provide accessible flu vaccinations to local and medically underserved individuals.  With training and supervision by Health Department staff, CMU's PA students assisted in administering this year's vaccinations.  Twenty students volunteered their services at six of the seven November clinics in Mt. Pleasant, Weidman, Shepherd, Blanchard, and Rosebush.

According to 2010 Class member Gloria Ryno, "the money raised was used to provide free flu shots to individuals that the Health Department screened to be high risk and without insurance."

The students sold candy and t-shirts, collected cans and bottles for return, and received an additional donation from CMU's PA Program to surpass their fundraising goal of $300. 

In addition to fundraising for the immunization clinics, CMU PA students used National PA Week to raise awareness about the importance of influenza vaccination and educate the public about the PA profession.