As an avid reader, I am currently reading Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama. I know what you are thinking. And yes, I am just now reading this book - but not because I recently purchased it. Actually, I bought it when it was first released. It is because my pleasure reading is often impacted by the lack of time. Although delayed, as I complete each chapter of this book, I feel as if I am getting to know President Obama up close and personal. Since this well-educated man could have held a more lucrative position, it has been quite awe-inspiring to read about his community activist work -- work that was instrumental in his election as President.

This work has reminded us of the importance of grass-roots efforts in making a difference in our own communities.  We do not have to look to Chicago or other large cities to see a demonstration of this work; it's all around us right here at UNC.

Over this past year, I have watched our Health Careers Club members work tirelessly to organize the 6th annual Health on the Block community health fair. As the days drew near, they went door to door, to the local churches, and to the homeless shelters to encourage individuals to come and take advantage of free health screenings. And their hard work paid off!

This past Saturday, I witnessed first hand the effectiveness of their grass-roots efforts. This community engagement project was a huge success, not only because of a large attendance, but also because they reached citizens who would not have ordinarily had access to these services but definitely need them. We are so grateful to the many organizations who participated in the event. Through their assistance, more persons are better informed about their health.
 
I am extremely proud of the students. Although this project will assist them in their personal pursuit of becoming health care professionals, I saw it as much more for them. Confucious said, "Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; but directly involve me and I'll make it my own." I witnessed them giving unselfishly to help others; and as a result, I saw the pride in their eyes and could tell that they really felt that they had made a difference. And they had! I definitely am a believer now that through each voice and each hand, we really can make a difference in our communities.

NC-HCAP to host sessions at Future Leaders in Health Care Conference
NC-HCAP will host its annual health professions forum and Inspirational Speakers in Science (ISIS) lecture in conjunction with NC-AHEC's Future Leaders in Health Care Conference again this year. The conference will be held May 29 - 31 on the campuses of UNC and Duke  University.
 
The ISIS keynote address will be given by SEP alumnus Antonio Braithwaite, DDS, MPH, owner of Sanford Pediatric Denistry in Sanford, NC.  Immediately following the ISIS lecture, student panelists from area health professions schools will share their academic experiences, goals, and strategies for overcoming obstacles in college and health professional school.

For more information on Dr. Braithwaite, view his profile on the HPNEC Profiles of Success.