HOSA for Small Rural Schools 

Over the past few months we have been working on a new concept for HOSA. Unfortunately, the rural nature of our great state makes it difficult to start HOSA chapters in our smaller schools with over extended staff members and limited resources. To try to address an unmet need, we have decided to initiate a "virtual" chapter for students without access to a local HOSA chapter.  Membership with this chapter will provide students with opportunities to interact digitally with other students and health care professionals across the state.  They will also have access to the Montana Virtual HOSA website which provides valuable resources for developing knowledge, skills, and career planning. Dawn Drahos, Medical Science Instructor at CMR High School, will serve as the Virtual Chapter Advisor. This is a very exciting endeavor for Montana HOSA, and we hope to see membership within this chapter meet the needs in our rural communities.  

For more information, contact Bergen Morehouse, State HOSA Advisor at bergen@mtha.org or 406.683.2790.  

On November 17th the Eastern MT AHEC participated in the Billings Career Center "Future Fair". We spoke with many enthusiastic students and are excited to see some of them in our programs this year.

On November 19th, along with the help from 3rd and 4th year medical students, the Eastern Montana AHEC hosted a booth at the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming B.I.G. (Believe In Girls) event. Girls and boys from Montana and Wyoming who visited the booth dressed up as healthcare professionals and each child received a photo of themselves as a souvenir.

Billings HOSA also did a "Thanks-For-Giving" blood drive on November 23rd at United Blood Services in Billings. Everyone who donated received a free slice of pie!  

Activity Description

Read the student handout "Food Labels." It is suggested that the teacher make the class a set of this text. Through an oral question and answer session go over the components of the food label and what each component means. Students will complete the student worksheet "Food Labels." Each student will need a copy of this worksheet. For more info visit the website.  

Our curriculum boxes contain a wealth of resources and lessons related to the human body, body systems, health, diseases and prevention, and health careers. The trunks are designed for grades 4 - 8, but the materials and lessons are easily adaptable for older and younger students. These boxes are approved by OPI and can be used by teachers, counselors, administrators and/or parents.    

The boxes are free of charge. Contact your regional AHEC to arrange delivery. To reserve a curriculum box and/or obtain a list of box contents visit: http://mtahec_inabox.airset.com/ 

Forensic scientists contribute to legal debates by applying scientific methods to the investigation of legal problems.  Health care providers in this field include doctors, dentists, and toxicologists. In many cases, they serve as frontline workers at the scene of a disaster or crime.

Interest in this fascinating field has exploded with the popularity of television series including "CSI" and "Bones." Community colleges and four-year universities have responded by creating and expanding educational programs in forensic science. Before enrolling in any program, make sure the curriculum has been accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Science.

Forensic scientists use chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and even psychology to help protect people, serve justice and promote better public health. In addition to working with law enforcement to help solve crimes, forensic scientists investigate environmental contamination, doping by athletes, and employee drug use. The data they collect is used by the public.

Forensic biologists examine blood and other bodily fluids, hair, bones, insects, plant and animal remains to help identify victims and support criminal investigations.

Using leading-edge technology in the lab and in the field, forensic biologists collect and analyze biological evidence found on clothing, weapons and other surfaces to determine the time and cause of death.

Detailed logs are kept and written reports prepared. Attention to detail is critical, because a single mistake can cause the evidence to be thrown out of court. Senior-level forensic biologists may testify in court about their findings.

In addition to biology, forensic biologists may become experts in:

• DNA analysis
• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic pathology
• Forensic entomology
• Forensic botany
• Biological chemistry

In addition to helping solve crimes, forensic biologists may investigate environmental contamination or other public health threats. To learn more, watch the video profile of "Biological Technicians." 

 text courtesy of www.explorehealthcareers.org 

This exciting opportunity for students in rural areas is available through distance technology & a partnership between the Western Montana AHEC & The Lifelong Learning Center.