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Students efforts rewarded during ceremony by Cindy Abole Public Relations The American writer and poet Henry David Thoreau once wrote: “One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.”       Winners of the 2000 MUSC Gives Back Community Volunteer Awards are: Beth Lindsey, Pharmacy, Phi Delta Chi; Stephanie Stephenson, Student National Dental Association; Becky Faulk, Erika Wilder, Tara Martin, Heather Herdt, Occupational Therapy, Class of 2001; Lauren Altman, College of Nursing SGA; Stewart Edmunds, Sasha Kennison, Patrick Wilson, Melissa Miller, Fletcher Penney, Noemi Pagan, Crisis Ministries; Angela Dempsey, AMWA; and Kyle Kokko, GSA. These words reflect the philosophy and actions of more than 500 health care professionals in training who give their own time and efforts to support community programs through the MUSC Gives Back program. Their efforts have helped to build healthier communities and strengthen bonds between the university, groups and individuals.       Each spring, MUSC recognizes the commendable efforts of students and teams who work in the community through the MUSC Gives Back Community Volunteer Awards.        Since its inception in 1993, MUSC Gives Back volunteers have donated more than 45,814 hours within the Lowcountry community. The office received a total of 13 group applications.    The awards are given in six categories, one for each of the five colleges, plus a universitywide recognition.       Judging for the Gives Back awards was conducted by student peers tapped by each of the six colleges. Each award was judged on merits that met a need, action, outcome, time and overall effort.    The judges included: Sherry Crowe, College of Graduate Studies; Anne Stuart Moore, College of Health Professions; Jeni Greene, College of Nursing; Angela Dempsey, College of Medicine; and Brandi Sweet, College of Pharmacy.       Student Volunteer of the Year, Lori Brown, has worked more than 1,565 hours during the past four years. Brown is holding her 10-day-old daughter, Megan. “The 45,814 total hours volunteered by health care students over the past seven years has helped to increase awareness of actual health care problems in our community,” said Liz Sheridan, director of MUSC Gives Back. “Barriers that some populations still face are still being challenged, but because of student efforts are better realized.” Student National Dental Association/College of Dental Medicine     The group has successfully brought dental awareness, education and screenings to various Lowcountry audiences. They scheduled community dental screenings at the Moja Arts Festival Community Health Fair, Crisis Ministries Carnival Health Fair in conjunction with National Homelessness Week, Carolina Children’s Charity Annual Meeting and the Community Health Fair at the City Gym. Occupational Therapy Class of 2001/College of Health Professions  The class had a busy year supporting numerous events. About two dozen students assisted in February’s Special Olympics held at The Citadel and College of Charleston. Several members volunteered more than 360 hours to support the Wellness, Independence, Safety and Health (WISH) Team at Brighton Place, a housing some 200 low-income elderly and disabled residents. Students supported their weekly educational forums. The group also volunteered their continued support for the aquatic therapy program at the Family Christian Center-Y. Graduate Student Association/College of Graduate Studies In October, a team of 24 students hosted two game booths and provided entertainment and prizes for patients and families at the annual MUSC Halloween Carnival for Children with Diabetes.  American Medical Women’s Association/College of Medicine Members of the AMWA volunteered a total of 104 hours and achieved two major service goals set for the 1999-2000 academic year. The group promoted breast cancer awareness, the MUSC community and Lowcountry men and women through their involvement in the Komen Charleston Race for the Cure. They also distributed breast cancer educational materials and organized an awareness program with women’s clubs and organizations. The group offered a blood pressure screening at Bethel United Methodist Church and provided labor coach training at the Florence Crittenton Home. The group will host their annual Easter Egg Hunt for MUSC Children’s Hospital patients. College of Nursing Student Government Association/College of Nursing The group devoted more than 20 hours working with the Student Nurses Association and the Multi-cultural Student Organization to provide the month-long heart awareness program. They also raised more than $3,000 in donations to benefit the American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Walk. Phi Delta Chi/College of Pharmacy  This was the second year the group organized a public awareness campaign with Kerr Drug stores in the West Ashley and James Island areas to promote the benefits of folic acid in preventing fetal neural tube defects. They also volunteered their time and cooking expertise to Ronald McDonald House. The group provided a home-cooked meal and support to family members. On May 6, the group plans to support the Low Country AIDS Services’ Eighth Annual Dining with Friends event. Crisis Ministries Clinic/Universitywide Organizations Since 1984, MUSC medical students have supported the Interfaith Crisis Ministries work by sponsoring free health care to the homeless through the Wednesday Night Free Clinic. More than 89 medical and pharmacy students, working under the supervision of upperclassmen, residents and attending physicians, participated in 21 clinics. Their efforts helped more than 190 men, women and children, contributing a total of more than 726 volunteer hours.  This year, the group provided patients with literature about diabetes, hypertension and sexually transmitted diseases. Working with a Health Science Foundation grant, the group was also able to donate permanent medical equipment in their day clinic and expand pharmacy services.