Three individuals and three groups, contributors to the success of MUSC community outreach efforts, are the first recipients of a newly created Community Commendation Award. The awardees were among a large number of individuals and organizations nominated by faculty, staff, and students of the Medical University. The nominations were studied by a Review Panel, which included representatives from across campus (see membership list below).
Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC vice president for academic affairs and provost, announced the honorees on behalf of the university. Recipients are: the Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, Beverly O'Brien, Dr. Elizabeth Ralston, the Union Heights Community Council, The Greater Charleston Enterprise Community Advisory Board, and community members of the MUSC Institutional Review Board for Human Research (IRB).
The award recognizes outstanding contributions by community members to the Medical University's outreach programs. Honorees will receive certificates of appreciation and public acknowledgment of the contribution each person or group has made to community health and well-being.
“Today, the Medical University is more involved in programs outside the traditional boundaries of the University than at any time in our history. In many instances, these outreach programs are successful precisely because of the efforts of individuals from the community on behalf and in support of the program. Every Medical University group involved in community outreach activities needs and values these individuals,” said Greenberg.
Rev. Dr. Charles Young
The
Rev. Dr. Charles Young is pastor of
the Ebenezer AME Church on Nassau Street in Charleston. Since 1995, Young
has served as chair of the Greater Charleston Enterprise Community (EC)
Citizens Advisory Board.
The advisory board has supported and assisted MUSC programs as the Greater Charleston EC.
Through Young's leadership and counsel, MUSC programs have developed a high level of community acceptance, enhancing their effectiveness. Young was directly involved in establishing and documenting the basis for a proposed health care clinic in the Enterprise Community.
Young also has advised and collaborated with MUSC's Environmental Biosciences Program in its environmental justice program. In 1998, he served as a keynote speaker and panelist for Living with Risk, a made-for-television program produced and broadcast by South Carolina Educational Television.
Beverly O'Brien
Beverly
O'Brien is school nurse for the Ronald McNair Elementary School.
O'Brien was a key contact in developing a collaborative effort that enabled
the College of Dental Medicine to provide dental screening and follow-up
for the children at McNair School. The project included dental students,
residents, and faculty.
O'Brien also has served as a clinical preceptor for students in the Community Health Nursing course. In a letter of nomination, O'Brien was described by a student as “the key to my success.” This description is consistent with O'Brien's history of involvement with MUSC programs.
Dr. Elizabeth Ralston
Dr.
Elizabeth Ralston has been executive director of the Lowcountry
Children's Center since it began in 1988.
During this time, Ralston has provided volunteer training for students, center volunteers and MUSC faculty. She was instrumental in forming a Lowcountry's Children's Center Research Advisory Board, which includes MUSC faculty and staff. In addition to supporting MUSC programs, Ralston is recognized for the leadership she has provided in expanding care available to neglected and abused children in the community.
Union Heights Community Council
A letter nominating Union Heights Community Council for a Community Commendation Award described the Council as “a driving force in MUSC's success at community outreach in the areas of mental health, research and health.”
This assessment was repeated by several groups who have benefited from the enthusiasm, insight and leadership of this community group. Members of the College of Nursing faculty described this group as the “gold standard” of community commitment to mutual success.
The Union Heights Community Council also has served as a partner with the MUSC Family Services Research Center in the development of a youth violence and mental health intervention program. Several members were noted for their individual efforts to support and enhance MUSC outreach efforts.
Enterprise Community Advisory Board
The Enterprise Community Advisory Board is a 36-member panel which serves as the leadership body for all Enterprise Community programs. Chaired by Young, the committee represents the 19 neighborhoods comprising the Enterprise Community. With representatives of the cities of Charleston and North Charleston, MUSC and other partners, the board has been the voice of the community as the Enterprise Community has evolved. Its willingness to share, enthusiasm, good will and commitment to a healthier community have been invaluable to Medical University outreach programs.
The Medical University Institutional Review Board for Human Research (IRB)
This volunteer group is essential to MUSC's human subject research program. The IRB safeguards the rights and welfare of human subjects. In addition to the time spent in preparing for and attending extensive meetings, IRB members from the community participate in training prior to assuming a committee role. They receive no monetary compensation for their efforts. The following are recognized for their service: Richard D. Bybee, J.D.; James E. Campbell; Andrea Kellner; Perry Nugent; and Delma M. Woods, Ph.D.
Community Commendations Awards Review Panel
The Community Commendation Awards Review Panel for 1998 included: Linda Austin, M.D., College of Medicine; Eva Boldridge, student, College of Dental Medicine; Sandi Brown, DSN, College of Nursing; Angie Evans, Community Representative; Glenn Fleming, Ed.D., Department of Library Science and Informatics, who chaired the review panel; Charles Hook, DMD, College of Dental Medicine; Dan Hoskins, Hollings Cancer Center; Liz Ricciardone, College of Health Professions; Liz Sheridan, MUSC Gives Back; Victor Smith, University Medical Center; George Tempel, Ph.D., College of Graduate Studies; Kathy Whitaker, Office of Diversity; and Angela Wilson, Pharm.D., College of Pharmacy.