By Frank Couch
In a year that continues to demand more from nurses, students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing work to give back to their community.
The UAB School of Nursing Nursing Graduate Students Association (NSGA) raised more than $250 to benefit fellow students and the UAB community through Blazer Kitchen, an on-campus food pantry that aims to increase food security in the UAB community. Blazer Kitchen provides healthy food, resources and referrals to UAB employees, students, patients and their families.
NSGA collectively agreed that Blazer Kitchen aligns with the organization’s missions and goals, and chose to support it financially, said NSGA President Heather Hyde.
“We align with UAB SON's core values of excellence, caring and collaboration. Therefore, it was important for the NGSA to support our students and Blazer community during the vulnerable time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hyde, DNP, CRNP, PNP-PC. “The NGSA strives to be a resource and connection to the UAB community whenever possible.”
The main source of fundraising for the NGSA is through the sale of T-shirts during activities such as orientations, on-sites and intensives, which have been limited during the pandemic. While this year’s restrictions raised fewer funds than past fundraisers, Hyde said they look forward to continuing to support Blazer Kitchen.
“Because Blazer Kitchen is such an asset to the community, we plan to partner with them again to support their mission,” Hyde said.