PAYING IT FORWARD
The Future Healers Program not only impacts its students , but the families as a whole . We recently conducted focus groups with families regarding the program . The recurring themes included their appreciation for inclusion , plus the encouragement of hope that they see for their child ’ s future . One parent stated , “ When we grew up , we didn ’ t have this , and it gets me emotional . I look forward to coming to sessions because I am still learning too .” Our sessions are a family investment . It is truly inspiring to witness what our resources can supply .
As we continue to navigate the challenges that come with growing a program like this , we keep the overall goal in mind . We are dedicated to showing up for this program and these families because we have seen the good that this program can do . The Future Healers ’ bond with client families reminds them that they deserve to live another day without fear of what will happen in the community .
Although this epidemic is way larger than one organization can cure , we hope to fill this piece of the puzzle and inspire others to do the same . As we celebrate our second anniversary , we are excited to announce our newest expansion to Vanderbilt University Medical
Center in Nashville , Tennessee . Our student directors and partners have been working endlessly to bring this expansion vision to life . Our future goals include transitioning our material into the JCPS public school system , expanding our mentorship program and reaching the lives of more families in need . We hope for far more growth and opportunity to help : this expansion is only the beginning .
References :
1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . ( 2022 ). Firearm Deaths Grow , Disparities Widen . Retrieved from : https :// www . cdc . gov / vitalsigns / firearm-deaths / index . html
Baylee Polzin is a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine hoping to pursue a residency in otolaryngology .
Parris Kapple is a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine whose interests include urology and ophthalmology .
Dr . Udoh is pursuing internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital Osler Residency Program in Baltimore , MD .
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