Medical students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center received a $4,000 Helping Hand Grant from the American Psychiatric Foundation to increase awareness about mental illnesses. The students will hold 10 to 15 community education sessions to share information with underserved Omahans on how to recognize mental illness and where to get help.
The Helping Hands Grant program, which awarded grants to nine universities across the country, raises awareness of mental illness and the importance of early recognition. A host of information will be available, including identifying the signs and symptoms of depression, bi-polar disorder and substance abuse. Partners in the grant are the UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
This year, programs will take place in various locations around Omaha and focus on the African-American, Latino/Hispanic and homeless populations.
The first event will be held during the American Medical Association Medical Student Section health fair on Jan. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the UNMC Center for Health Living located on the northeast corner of 40th and Jones Streets.
Programs also will be included during the following community events: Black Family Health and Wellness Association Health Fair on March 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North High School, 4410 N. 36th St. (36th & Ames); and NAMI Walk on June 12 at 9 a.m., Elmwood Park. Other events (dates and times to be announced) will include the Body and Soul event at four North Omaha churches, as well as two barbershops and a south Omaha forum.
“People should not fear getting help for mental illness for them or for a family member,” said Ruthri Goodwin, one of four UNMC medical students spearheading the grant. “We want to reach out and encourage people to seek out information and help.”
The grant is managed by medical students Goodwin, Elizabeth Penner, Caitlin Mohr and Nancy Hong, under the supervision of UNMC faculty member, Howard Liu, M.D.
Between the grind for studying day and night for board exams, the students said they saw the grant as an opportunity. “This is something that is really exciting for us. It underscores why we got into medical school – to help people,” Goodwin said. “There’s a big need to get information out about mental illness. Sometimes physical ailments are a manifestation of mental illness.”
Dr. Liu commends the students for taking on the project. “Leadership is about vision, and I think the students have all shown the ability to dream big and reach for significant goals,” he said. “It is my privilege to work with them, but all of the credit goes to the students. They’ve done amazing work and I think this is a model for students across the country.”
Funding is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Students, faculty or staff who would like to volunteer for the project can contact Goodwin at rdgoodwin@unmc.edu.
As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. In 2009, UNMC’s extramural research support topped $100 million for the first time, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.