In what has become a traditional service project for Chattanooga State Registered Nursing students in classes taught by Hennie Gunter and Dr. Cheryl Miller, a Wellness Fair for the homeless was organized by the students and held at the Community Day Center adjacent to the Community Kitchen.
Approximately 161 clients were served during the fair. The RN Nursing class of 2018 donated coats, toboggans, socks, scarves, hand warmers and blankets. Dental students donated underwear, socks, and dental supplies.
Student nurses provide services to clients that include stations to address nutrition; hypothermia/hyperthermia; blood pressure readings and education; foot care and hand washing to help prevent infection; and dental care. Each station provided a homeless client with fruit, water, a food item, hand lotion, hand sanitizer; toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss; a toboggan, scarf, blanket, gloves, t-shirt and socks.
Massage Therapy Program students offered neck and back massages.
Community organizations and businesses pitched in to help as well. Morning Pointe residents donated hand-made blankets, toboggans, gloves and scarves, while Chattanooga First Christian Church members donated more than 200 short and long-sleeved T-shirts, and Blue Cross provided all the back packs for the attendees. Signal Mountain Pruett's Market, McKee Food Corporation, Coca Cola and Walmart all donated food and/or beverage items. A former graduate of Chattanooga State’s nursing program donated popcorn and provided a popcorn machine for use. Monetary donations also were collected.
For more information about the Chattanooga State registered nursing program, call 423-697-4450 or visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/nursing-rn-aas-day-and-night-programs-baroness-erlanger-nursing-program-chattanooga-state.