Here at the Volunteer and Civic
Engagement Center, we have added various new opportunities for a growing campus
population to get involved. One of these opportunities is the recurring
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach service activity.
On Tuesday
nights, UIS students gather at the front entrance of Lincoln Residence Hall.
Each week, a different group meets up to volunteer for “a medical surplus
recovery organization” that is focused “on meeting the healthcare needs of
individuals in developing nations”. This wonderful organization also offers
education and awareness opportunities, and cross-cultural mission experiences.
You might be
asking why would I get involved? While I would have a biased answer, (I’m
coordinating the project, after all.) data shows that UIS students are breaking
down the door to get involved with this activity! The Volunteer and Civic
Engagement Center is only able to offer twelve sports each week and has
overfilled available seats almost every time! Students are adamant to get
involved in a service project that not only develops fellowship, but also
creates an environment of humor and pleasure.
Student Shannon
Stevens, first-year Biology major thinks, “It was really fun because I was with
a great group of people who wanted to give back to their communities. When I
was first approached about the project, I didn’t think that I would enjoy repackaging
salvaged medical supplies; I knew we were helping those in need”.
When UIS students
arrive at HSMO, they will work in different capacities each week. The needs of
the program vary depending on donations from system hospitals. Typically, there
are three concrete stations.
(1)
The
donated pallet is opened and supplies are sorted into bins based on expiration
dates.
(2)
Once
sorted by expiration dates, these items are sorted by medical categories-
sutures, skin prep, bandages).
(3)
Finally,
these categorized materials are assembled with like items. For example, all the
same-size measuring containers will be put together and boxed.
Once these items
are boxed, weighed, labeled, and entered into the warehouse system, distant
communities are able to order surplus recovery medical supplies through an
online inventory!
If you are
interested in registering for one of the remaining sessions (every Tuesday,
5-8pm through December 10th), connect with us at http://uishospitalsisters.eventbrite.com. Hurry, because seats are filling fast!
The Hospital
Sisters Mission Outreach project is just another example of how UIS students
are ‘Leadership Lived’.
Michael Lostpeich
Student Project Coordinator
UIS Volunteer Center
