Community Service

Are you interested in organizing a service project in your community? Or planning an educational program at your school for your peers? Let us help you! The AMA-MSS offers many resources to get you started in organizing a community service project or educational program at your school. The MSS has compiled abstracts of projects that other chapters just like yours have held on topics such as obesity, residency, medical liability and much more. These project ideas will get you started as you are developing your own program. All of these projects were funded in part by the Chapter Involvement Grants offered by the MSS. For more information on these projects, contact the MSS Program Administrator.

More Project Ideas
(PDF, 1MB; requires Adobe® Reader®)

Another good resource for project ideas is the AMA Alliance's Project Bank, which contains over 500 projects that have been conducted by state and county Alliances throughout the country. The projects range from Adolescent/Teen/Child Health to Substance Abuse. The listing is divided into categories and subcategories for easy reference and the most recent project is listed first.

Table of contents

• Alcohol
• Chapter life
• Community health
• Cultural competence/health disparities
• Health care access
• Health literacy
• HIV/AIDS
• International health
• Legislative awareness
• Medical education
• Membership recruitment
• Obesity
• Organ & tissue donation
• Tobacco

Alcohol

Underage Drinking
Alcohol plays a key role in accidents, homicides and suicides and is the leading causes of death among teenagers. 10.7 million underage youth drink . . . 7.2 million of whom are binge drinkers. Youth who use alcohol before 15 are four more times more likely to be alcohol dependent then adults who first began drinking at 21. Much like smoking, underage drinking is a prevalent public health issue and this module was developed for medical students and communities nationwide in order to address this serious issue. The goal of this project is to create a sense of awareness of the problem by educating teens about the harmful effects of alcohol and motivating them to make a difference in their community.

Chapter life

Albany Medical College
Heart-Healthy Study Break Breakfast
This project consists of hosting a heart-healthy breakfast for Albany medical students on the morning of the neurological sciences exam for the first-year medical students, which is their toughest exam of the year. In addition to serving healthy breakfast options, pamphlets on healthy eating will be made available so that students can read them after their exam. Mental health will also be addressed by making available stress balls.

This event was supported by the following policy:
440.21 MSS Promoting Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles

University of California, Irvine (UCI), School of Medicine
Summer Experiences Panel
A panel of second-year UCI medical students will discuss how they chose to spend their past summer to an audience of first-year medical students. This comes at a critical time when the first-year students are deciding what activities they want to partake in during their upcoming summer. We will promote everything from preceptorships to international medical missions.

This event was supported by the following policies:
295.011 MSS Regulation of Medical Student Education Opportunities
295.081 MSS Promoting Culturally Competent Health Care

University of South Carolina
Medical Marriage for Medical Students
Chapter hosted a "Medical Marriage for Medical Students" informational seminar in conjunction with the S.C. Medical Association Alliance. The intent was to provide support and encourage membership to the medical student spouses.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H-635.023 Outreach Strategy: Spouses of Physicians

Community health

The Reel World: Child and Adolescent Suicide
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 25 year olds (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). The goals of this project are to educate high school students on depression as a serious illness and increase their awareness of the available resources to deal with depression. To accomplish these goals, this project will encourage high school students (of up to 4) to submit screenplays about some aspect of adolescent mental health. The winning film will be shown during National Depression Month.

Unite for Sight
Although 80% of all blindness is preventable, eye care is one of the most neglected health issues in our society. According to the National Eye Institute, blindness affects more than 1 million Americans older than 40, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology indicates that only half of those with glaucoma and in need of therapy know that they have the disease. An estimated 10 million children age 10 and younger have vision problems that hinder learning. Unite for Sight is dedicated to improving health outcomes through free community vision screenings and health education programs for medically underserved children and adults in soup kitchens, schools and libraries. Unite for Sight also collects used eyeglasses to donate to eye clinics in developing countries. There are currently 50 Unite For Sight chapters in 25 cities across the country.

Boston University School of Medicine
Rapid HIV Testing Access Initiative
The CDC has estimated that one fourth of HIV-infected people in the United States are not aware of their infection status. They account for the transmission of approximately two thirds of new infections. Approximately 30% of patients testing positive never return for their results. The availability of rapid HIV testing has made it possible to receive results within 20 minutes during a single visit, thereby improving delivery of test results. A concerted effort by medical students to encourage and administer rapid HIV tests among high-risk populations would make a significant and immediate impact.

Through this project, medical students will be trained by local qualified HIV test counselors to administer the rapid HIV test along with pre- and post-test counseling. Those students will serve as volunteers at community clinics to provide free access to confidential rapid HIV testing throughout the year. Training will be paid for using grant money. Continuity of the project will be maintained by medical student coordinators.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-20.920 HIV Testing
H-20.922 HIV/AIDS as a Global Public Health Priority

Creighton University School of Medicine
Make-A-Wish Run
Every fall, Creighton University School of Medicine holds a 5K- and 10K-run to raise money for the Nebraska Make A Wish Foundation. It's a fairly large run, with about 200 participants, and relies solely on donations from different businesses, organizations, and the community. The Creighton chapter feels that by donating our time and money to this event, they can accomplish three goals: 1) help the Nebraska Make A Wish Foundation grant wishes to children who are very ill and deserve an opportunity to - in a way - take a vacation from their illness; 2) help their classmates in this annual endeavor; and 3) by making a donation and volunteering at the event, it will get the Creighton AMA MSS out in the community and at the forefront of the Creighton University School of Medicine.

This event was supported by the following policy:
445.001 MSS Public Image of Physicians

Kansas University Medical Center
A Slice of Science: A Community Outreach Program
Chapter visited local high school health classes to perform a dissection of a sheep’s heart and/or brain. In addition to performing a dissection and pointing out key and interesting features, they discussed the negative consequences of smoking, drug use, and an unhealthy diet and how they may influence these particular organs.

Chapter also set up a “big sib/little sib” program by matching medical students up with high school students. As a “Big Sib,” the medical students brought their little sib to the medical school, introduced them to physicians, and encouraged them to go to college and think about a career in medical sciences.

This event was supported by the following policies:
170.004 MSS Health Education
170.001 MSS Education
445.001MSS Public Image of Physicians

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Harvest Classic 5K Race
The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine AMA-MSS chapter held it's 17^th Annual Harvest Classic 5K Race on Sat., Sept. 25, 2004. The Harvest Classic helps feed the hungry by donating all proceeds from the race/walk, as well as a raffle and silent auction, to the Channel One Food Shelf. The Channel One program provides food to income-eligible people that live in Olmsted County; household shoppers choose nonperishable items, fresh produce, dairy products, and bakery items in a store-like setting. Home delivery is also available for the disabled or homebound, and local senior housing complexes. More information on the organization can be obtained from the Channel One website: www.channel-one.org

Fourteen walkers and 112 runners participated in what was the largest Harvest Classic to date, and raised more than $3,000, which also makes it the Mayo AMA-MSS chapter's most successful fundraiser of the year. Prizes were given to runners in three different age categories, and all participants were given free T-shirts and refreshments at the event. Many local businesses donated items, such as dinners, movie tickets, golf passes, and hotel stays, which served as prizes and raffle items. Last year, the event raised enough funds to provide over 8,000 meals, and this year's donation will provide hundreds of additional meals to the underprivileged and homebound in the Rochester, Minn. area.

The success of the Harvest Classic was, in large part, due to the efforts of event coordinator and third-year Mayo medical student Mark Piedra. Piedra has been the organizer for the past two years and has fostered its tremendous growth. Second-year students Jeff Geske and Jason Capo also helped coordinate the event and will take over next year as the event's co-chairs. The Mayo AMA-MSS chapter would like to thank Piedra, Geske and Capo as well as everyone who participated and assisted with the event; their time and dedication will provide thousands of meals to hundreds of needy families over the coming year.

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Holiday Helping Hands
The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine has, for the past two years, conducted the Holiday Helping Hands program as an annual service project designed to help local families with exceptional social need. The project provides necessities such as furniture, winter clothing, and food that the families are financially unable to provide for themselves. A Money Donation Tree is set up in the medical school office, where students can donate money that will be used to purchase the necessities for the families. Additionally, item collection boxes are placed in the medical school office, medical student lounge, and graduate student lounge with a list of items that the families request. In previous years, we have been able to provide beds, desks, tables, chairs, jackets, food, money, computers with printers, and holiday gifts. The project has dramatically changed the lives of multiple families and given students the amazing experience of giving hope and joy to people who are in the most profound of need. This year, we will be helping three to four families, all of whom lack the most basic necessities, including clothing, food, and furniture. In order to accommodate the increased needs of the families this year and to expand the number of families we are assisting compared with previous years, we are seeking assistance from the AMA in order to maintain this both as a viable effort to tremendously help area families and as one of the most personally rewarding experiences that students will receive in medical school.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-160.997 AMA Program
H-160.961 Caring for the Poor
H-405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service
H-60.981 Adolescent Health
E-1.001 Principles of Medical Ethics

Medical College of Georgia
MCG First Annual Service Day
Chapter provided service to organizations in the Augusta community. Students were assigned different tasks, such as mowing the lawn, spray washing, dusting, painting, and other general cleaning duties. At some locations, they assisted with food stocking and sales.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H 405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Unite for Sight
The MSU chapter will educate children in Lansing's elementary schools through presentations about eye diseases and eye care as well as offer free vision eye screens. The goals of this project include presenting common diseases such as ambylopia and how to prevent them, as well as offering free vision eye screens. They will be putting together placards as presentation materials that describe each disease and are specific to each grade. Along with this, they will be presenting different games such as jeopardy that are interactive and reinforce the take-home message to the kids. Depending on funding, the volunteers will also be putting together educational packets that include different games (i.e., crosswords, mazes) that will supplement what they learn from our presentation at home. Furthermore, their goal is to provide vision eye screens, for which funding is necessary, to purchase Snellen eye charts, run copies of permission slips and background information documents.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H 60.991 Providing Medical Services through School-Based Health Programs

NYU School of Medicine
Health Screening and Fair
The NYU chapter will be volunteering at the Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Senior Center in Manhattan to administer blood tests to assess glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure checks. They will also give out information on hypertension, diabetes, mental health, heart disease and cancer.

This event was supported by the following policy:
165-009 Evaluation of the Principles of the Health Care Access Resolution

NYU School of Medicine
Cranial Nerves Workshop and Community Vision Screening
The AMA-MSS NYU chapter, along with members of the chapter’s Unite for Sight, organized a workshop to train medical students on physician diagnosis skills of the cranial nerves with a special emphasis on the complete eye exam. After the initial workshop, the chapter will use their skills through a community vision screening at a local soup kitchen, park, and health center. Unite For Sight is a nonprofit organization that includes 4,000 volunteers who build healthier communities through disease prevention, eye health promotion, and health education. Through free preliminary vision screenings, Unite for Sight helps adults and children identify their vulnerability to eye problems and refers them to free health coverage programs, free clinics and physicians.

This event was supported by the following policies:
60.010 MSS Encouraging Vision Screenings for Schoolchildren
160.959 Health Care Access for the Inner City Poor
165 882 Improving Access for the Uninsured and Underinsured
H 60.987 Health Care Needs of Homeless and Runaway Youths
H 160.961 Caring for the Poor
H 310.942 Training Physicians in Nontraditional Sites
H 160.940 Free Clinic Support
H-10.970 Use of Protective Eyewear by Athletes

State University of New York at Buffalo
Halloween Fun Night for Children with Diabetes
Following the success of the first two “Halloween Fun Nights for Children with Diabetes” in 2002 and 2003, this event will mark the third annual event for this chapter. This event provided a night of fun for a group of children who might otherwise be unable to enjoy Halloween given its focus on candy. The party included games, a costume contest, arts and crafts and appropriate refreshments.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H-405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service

UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson
Health Fair with Vision Screening
This chapter will organize a health fair with vision screening, which will provide vision screening to the uninsured adults and children indigenous to New Brunswick. The fair will be held at a park. Under supervision of trained staff, a group of medical students will evaluate common eye abnormalities such as refractive errors, strabismus and amblyopia, all of which can lead to blindness if untreated. In addition, they will perform the measurement of ocular pressure and a retinal examination in order to assess for glaucoma, diabetes and other medical conditions.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-160.959 Health Care Access for the Inner-City Poor
H-350.972 Improving the Health of Black and Minority Populations
H-405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service
H-425.977 Encouraging Vision Screenings for Schoolchildren

University of California at San Francisco (UCSF)
Health Education Days at the Boys & Girls Club
UCSF partnered with the Boys & Girls Club to teach young people about health issues that impact their lives. In the fall semester, they are scheduled to talk with students during five sessions to discuss skin cancer, eating disorders, obesity, depression, and bullying. Each session involves discussions on each of these topics and interactive visuals to engage students. Furthermore, handouts for students and their parents are provided at the end of each session.

This event was supported by the following policies:
D-440.969 Protect Children from Skin Cancer
H-150.953 Obesity as Major Public Health Program
H-345.984 Awareness, Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression
H-60.943 Bullying Behaviors Among Children and Adolescents

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford
First Aid/Second Grade
First Aid/Second Grade (FASG) is a first aid and safety program for public school children in Rockford, Illinois who are seven and eight years old (second grade). This training - newly added to a separate program on handwashing - will take the form of one or two brief instruction periods in which medical students will explain several basic principles of first aid while instructing students how to cope in an emergency, how to dial emergency services (911) and how to provide rudimentary first aid by cleaning and dressing a small simulated wound. The second-year medical students will receive additional training on what types of first-aid and safety content will be taught to the children and the manner in which to provide this information. The medical students will then lead discussions, engage in situational role-play using age-appropriate scenarios, and perform activities such as playing "chain of care" games and making their own first aid kit.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 130.952 Community Wide Training In Basic Life Support and First Aid (includes children)
H 60.957 First Aid Training for Child Day Care Workers

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Hunger Banquet
The chapter is planning a hunger banquet to raise awareness and educate fellow medical students about hunger in Pittsburgh and worldwide. Good medical care often comes to nothing if people don't have enough food. The entrance fee will be a can for the canned food drive, and attendees will be split into groups for a meal, but also a dramatization of what hunger looks like today, using ideas from Oxfam's Web site.

This event was supported by the following policies:
150.003 MSS Hunger in America
H-60.952 AMA Support for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Hoops for Health
The AMA MSS chapter at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry has developed a year long community service opportunity for its members by partnering with the "Hoops for Health" program in Rochester, NY. Volunteers will conduct weekly after school sessions on nutrition and exercise for 50 fifth and sixth graders in inner-city Rochester. Through a partnership with Quad A, a nonprofit organization dedicated to foster positive after-school programs and the Rochester Police Department, medical students will help to design a life-skills program that aims to keep kids off the street and in a safe learning environment. Health education is incorporated into a physical activity program, along with discussions on substance abuse, consequences and anger aversion.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
H 440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern
D 60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children
D 440.971 Recommendations for Physician and Community Collaboration on the Management of Obesity
D 440.980 Recognizing and Taking Action in Response to the Obesity Crisis

University of South Dakota School of Medicine
Sex and Health Education for High School Students
The chapter at University of South Dakota will talk with adolescents about sex, pregnancy, STDs, depression/suicide and eating disorders. As an addition to a health class, or a separate lecture to students involved in after-school activities, they will provide education on abstinence, condoms, the consequences and options after pregnancy and the warning signs of depression and eating disorders.

This event was supported by the following policies:
170.965 condoms
170.968 sex education, condoms in school

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Women's Shelter Apartment Renovation
The local women's shelter provides emergency and short-term housing for battered women and children. One of the apartments, available for transitional housing, is in need of repair and renovation. This chapter will make the necessary repairs as well as add to the existing decorum to make the apartment more comfortable. The chapter hopes to reach out to this part of the community to help strengthen the already existing relationship and perception of doctors and medical students in the community as caring and compassionate health care providers.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Holiday in the Park
Holiday in the Park is a service project for the children of the Dallas area surrounding Parkland Memorial Hospital. It is a toy give-away and carnival hosted by the students of UT Southwestern. It is sponsored by the UTSW chapters of TMA and AMA. Each child under the age of 10 will receive a toy from Santa, and will have an opportunity to play games, get faces painted, eat, etc. It is a holiday celebration for many children that would otherwise not have one. The event will host a number of information booths. One of the main booths is an information/sign up booth for the Children's Health Insurance Program. Educated representatives from Children's Hospital will be stationed at the booth to provide resources and information to the parents in attendance. We will also have a Tobacco Stinks booth to provide information to children and their families about the hazards of smoking.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-160.961 Caring for the Poor
H-405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service
165.003MSS Advocacy for Rapid and Timely implementation of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program

Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Diabetes Education Project at Local Free Clinic
The AMA-MSS chapter at Virginia College is in the process of organizing and implementing a diabetes awareness program for patients at a local free clinic. The project will include three or four sessions (one per month). This project is being funded in part by a student grant from the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation. The goals of the project include: 1) educate local free-clinic diabetic and pre-diabetic population; 2) produce "Tips to control your diabetes all year long" calendar magnets for distribution to free clinics throughout the region; and 3) have continuous data collection (before and after patient knowledge and blood sugar control) for final analysis of project's efficacy.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-160.938 - Disease-Specific Self-Management Programs
H-440.902 - Obesity as a Major Health Concern

Cultural Competence/Health Disparities

Fostering an Interest in Medicine
In November 2003, the American Association of Medical Colleges released data on the applicants for the entering class of 2003. Some findings from this data of nearly 35,000 applicants include a decline in the number of blacks and Hispanics who enter medical school; a majority of applicants are women for the first time and only 343 of 34783 applicants classified themselves as American Indian or Alaskan Native. This project is designed to increase the number of women and minority students applying to and enrolled in medical school, as well as to foster an interest in a medical career and promote academic achievement among minority and female youth populations.

Indiana University-Bloomington
Cultural Awareness: Medical Spanish Night
Students from Indiana University-Bloomington coordinated a "Cultural Awareness: Medical Spanish Night" designed to aid medical students in gaining an elementary foundation in medical Spanish so as to better serve the Spanish-speaking population. Information was provided focusing how to perform a history and physical exam in Spanish.

This event was supported by the following policies:
295.081 MSS Promoting Culturally Competent Health Care
H-65.977 Culturally Sensitive Communication

Indiana University-Muncie Center
Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Lunch Presentation
The chapter will hold a lunch presentation on racial and ethnic health disparities highlighting current evidence, potential solutions and potential project ideas. The goals of this presentation are 1) to raise awareness on the weight of the evidence on minority health disparities and what needs to be done, 2) discuss the idea of cultural competency in health care, 3) to spark interest for a chapter project in health disparities and 4) to allow students opportunity to give feedback on this particular presentation, which will be made available to all MSS chapters as part of a toolkit on minority health disparities.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H350.974 Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care
H350.967 Eliminating health disparities
D350.997 Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care

Morehouse School of Medicine
Medical Students Promoting Adolescent Health Education
The Morehouse chapter developed a program to promote the health professions among minority middle and high school students by giving those students an opportunity to interact and be mentored by medical students, PhD students, and MPH students from Morehouse School of Medicine. The Morehouse students will offer this program at a local YMCA after-school program called “Primetime.” The middle school students will get to experience different aspects of medicine. The AMA medical students and residents from the pediatrics program at Morehouse will bring models of the heart and lungs, stethoscopes and a spirometer, bones and a whole skeleton and reflex hammers for the students to use. The goal of this program is to get the kids excited about careers in medicine and for them to see minority medical students and physicians to help them realize that medicine is a career within their reach.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-170.977 Comprehensive Health Education
H-170.993 Health Education

University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis
Health Careers Interest Day (Doctors Back to School Program Series)
This program is part of the AMA’s “Doctors Back to School” (DBTS) program. DBTS enables professional students in the AMA MSS to make an impression on high school students interested in careers in healthcare. DBTS sends physicians and medical students into their communities to accomplish two primary goals: to pique young minority students’ interest in medicine by introducing them to “real-life” role models, and to raise awareness of the need for more minority physicians. For the second year in a row, they are including a Health Careers Interest Day where their host school will visit the university, attend a tour, and engage in different activities/displays aimed at promoting their interest in medicine. Other academic health care students are encouraged to participate too, but their primary focus in on medicine.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-170.977 Comprehensive Health Education
H-170.993 Health Education

University of Minnesota Medical School Twin Cities
Health Care and Career Fair for the Youth
The goal of this project was to connect graduate students entering health professional fields with high school students from racially and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds to encourage mentorship, serve as role models and inspire interest to entering the health care fields. Chapter adopted Harding High and worked with science department to develop an interesting, unique, and educational experience. This included interactive activities such as testing reflexes and blood pressures, reading X-rays and examining human body specimens. They also had displays of different health care professions, with students to answer questions and reveal their personal testimonies as motivation to enter health care professions. Materials to take home were distributed to the high school students.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 350.980 AMA's Role in Preparing Minority and Disadvantaged Youth for Careers in Medicine and the Health Professions
H 170.985 Science Education

University of Texas Health Science Center - Fort Worth
Multicultural Awareness Week – Culture of the Deaf
Students from the University of Texas Health Science Center sponsored a luncheon seminar on "Exploring Deaf Culture" during the University's Multicultural Awareness Week. The invited speaker explored this unique culture's characteristics including values, beliefs, history and rules of behavior.

This event was supported by the following policies:
D-90.999 Interpreters for Physician Visits
H-90.982 Full Tax Credit for Interpretation Services for the Blind

University of Texas - Houston
Diversity Lecture Series
Chapter organized a series of lectures to expose medical students to the various patient populations they will encounter in the clinic. Sample topics include: cultural competency; treating SE Asian, Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender, elderly, African American, Latino, and homeless patients; and understanding personal biases.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-350.970 Diversity in Medical Education
D-350.995 Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care

Health care access

Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Working Within the System - Practical Ways to Increase Access to Health Care
The purpose of this AMA-MSS sponsored event is to expose Loma Linda University medical students and faculty to various ways to decrease the number of uninsured patients (without resorting to a single-payer national health care system). These tactics will include 1) crafting a mechanism wherein employers would be required to either provide their employees with health insurance or pay into state operated purchasing pools and allow employees to select coverage through those pools; 2) expanding the Healthy Families program to cover working parents of children enrolled in that state-federal program; and 3) mandating catastrophic insurance coverage for all state citizens.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H–165.882 Improving Access for the Uninsured and Underinsured

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Calling for Coverage (through Covering Kids and Families)
The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine’s AMA MSS chapter and the Covering Kids and Families program of Olmsted County, MN will be partnering to prevent local families in need from losing their state health care coverage. Covering Kids and Families is a program sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that is dedicated to conducting outreach projects to educate families about eligibility for health care coverage and to help families enroll in government-sponsored health care programs if they are eligible. One of the major barriers regarding access to care lies in the fact that families must renew their applications for government sponsored health insurance in Minnesota every six months or their care is automatically and immediately discontinued. Due to confusion over paperwork, language barriers and lack of understanding about the importance of submitting biannual renewal forms, hundreds of families are unknowingly or inadvertently losing their coverage each month.

Members of Mayo’s AMA MSS chapter will be trained by Covering Kids and Families staff members to make phone calls to families who are about to be dropped from their health insurance. The students will be trained and able to fill out the renewal paperwork for these families over the phone to prevent them from losing coverage. Thus, it ensures that the family will have consistent health care coverage for the year and potentially saves both the family and the state thousands of dollars. In a single night of contacting families, students will be able to secure health care coverage for more than 400 people, and the project is intended to run once a month throughout the coming year, with periodic training sessions to educate new student participants. Additionally, a number of the students to be trained are bilingual and will be able to focus their calls towards non-English speaking families, for whom the language barrier makes completing renewal paperwork exceptionally difficult.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 165.870 Strategies for Increasing Access and Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
H 165.882 Improving Access for the Uninsured and Underinsured
H 185.997 Insurance Coverage for Complete Maternity Care
H 290.979 Strategies for Increasing Access and Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
D 165.966 Giving States New Options to Improve Coverage for the Poor

Mercer University School of Medicine
Free Clinic and Information Fare for the Uninsured
The Mercer chapter will help run the local volunteer clinic and hold an information fare regarding insurance options for the current uninsured. Their goals are to provide medical care for the uninsured patients who visit the volunteer clinic and provide them with information about Medicare, Medicaid, Peachcare for Kids, COBRA, and low-cost primary care coverage.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-160.940 Free Clinic Support
H-165.882 Improving Access for the Uninsured and Underinsured
H-165.983 Covering the Uninsured

New York University School of Medicine
Global Partners Symposium: Youth, Corporations, and Academia Bridging
The symposium included a conference on day 1, followed by a full-day community vision screening on day 2. Students from all over the country will joined the chapter to provide access to health care to patients with limited resources and/or means to care properly for their eyes. These patients were linked with the New York City Free Health Clinic for follow-up care when needed.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 160.959 Health Care Access for the Inner City Poor
165 882 Improving Access for the Uninsured and Underinsured
H 160.940 Free Clinic Support

Tulane University School of Medicine
Unite for Sight
Chapter provided free vision screenings to New Orleans public school students, as well as free eye health care to the uninsured through local ophthalmologists. They also collected eyeglasses and sunglasses at local libraries and clinics for distribution to third world countries.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-35.976 Channeling of Eye Examinations to Optometrists
H-10.970 Use of Protective Eyewear by Athletes

University of South Dakota School of Medicine
Increasing Health Awareness Among Disadvantaged Individuals
The local mission serves many homeless and disadvantaged people every day. The University of South Dakota chapter would like to provide additional services for these people. Many of them don't receive regular medical care or screening. The chapter plans to screen for hypertension, diabetes and other minor health issues that may be ailing this population.

This event was supported by the following policies:
170.980 Health Education

University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
Stories from the Front Line: Providing Health Care for the Homeless
The chapter held a luncheon informational session where doctors that services the homeless population in Los Angeles discussed their personal experiences along with what initiatives are currently underway in clinics that service the homeless to improve access to health care in addition to the quality of care received.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 60.987 Health Care Needs of Homeless and Runaway Youths
H 160.961 Caring for the Poor

University of Virginia School of Medicine
The Big Picture: U.S. Health Care in the Global Context
As part of their chapter's monthly lecture series, this chapter invited Dr. Tom Massaro, MD, PhD, to speak on several representative health systems from around the world. Dr. Massaro is a physician, dean, engineer and law professor at the University of Virginia, and his focus at the law school is international health systems. He plans to include the United States, Canada, Singapore, and at least one European nation in his presentation.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 165.904 Universal Health Coverage
H 100.994 International Cooperation and Standards in the Experimentation and Approval for Use of Drugs
H 165.882 Improving Access for the Uninsured and Underinsured

Health literacy

The ABCs of Health Literacy
Based on research by the National Adult Literacy Survey, 90 million Americans—half of all adults—may struggle with low health literacy. Further studies show that people from all ages, races, income, and education levels are challenged by this problem. The goals of this project include improving interpersonal communication skills between physician and patient, and integrating health literacy strategies into medical school curricula.

Penn State
Health Literacy and You: Implications in Health Care
Chapter Organized a "Health Literacy and You: Implications in Health Care" informational luncheon. The event was aimed at educating health professionals about the importance of health literacy and the implications on one's medical practice.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H-160.931 Health Literacy

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
The global AIDS pandemic is the world’s most urgent public health crisis. Over 21 million individuals have died from AIDS, with another 40 million individuals infected worldwide. This project works to energize AMA-MSS members to work with local organizations on education and outreach programs. This project includes community awareness projects, promotion of expanded surveillance programs and research opportunities, and ideas to help combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, with a focus on legislative advocacy and international programs.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
World AIDS/HIV Awareness
To raise awareness of World AIDS Day, chapter featured a panel of five students who traveled throughout the world to share their experiences in treating AIDS/HIV patients. Also, an infectious disease physician spoke of his experience in working with and treating HIV/AIDS patients.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 20.904 HIV/AIDS Education and Training
H 20.922 HIV/AIDS as a Global Public Health Priority

Tufts University School of Medicine
Rapid HIV Testing Access Initiative
The CDC has estimated that one fourth of HIV infected people in the United States are not aware of their infection status. They account for the transmission of approximately two thirds of new infections. Approximately 30% of patients testing positive never return for their results. The availability of rapid HIV testing has made it possible to receive results within 20 minutes during a single visit, thereby improving delivery of test results. A concerted effort by medical students to encourage and administer rapid HIV tests among high risk populations would make a significant and immediate impact. Through this project, medical students will be trained by local qualified HIV test counselors to administer the rapid HIV test along with pre- and post-test counseling. Additional training will include completion of the online training module provided by the assay manufacturer. Those students will serve as volunteers at community clinics to provide free access to confidential rapid HIV testing. Test kits will be purchased using grant money. Continuity of the project will be maintained by medical student coordinators.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 20.920 HIV Testing
H 20.922 HIV/AIDS as a Global Public Health Priority

International health

AMA Worldsopes Program: WorldScopes collects and distributes stethoscopes to those working in resource-poor settings in the US and around the globe to make sure that no one lacks this essential medical instrument. Anyone can hold a fundraiser or collection drive for WorldScopes...it is a simple but effective project!

creighton university school of medicine
3rd Annual CUSOM AMA-MSS Journal Drive
This project will collect old medical journals (JAMA, NEJM, specialty journals, etc.) and ship them to the Brother's Brother Foundation, which will then send the journals to developing countries whose medical staff may not have access to up to date medical journals. The sole expense of this project is shipping the journals to Pittsburgh and the Brother's Brother Foundation, which cost $946.97 last year for 1800+ lbs. of medical journals.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 170.980 Health Education
H 170.986 Health Information and Education

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Journal, Cell Phone, and Eyeglasses Drives
During this meeting, chapter discussed two major topics:

1. Upcoming Interim Meeting in Atlanta
2. Journal, cellular phone, and eyeglasses drives

The cell phones will be donated to Action Ohio, which provides a cell phone to those in an abusive relationship in order to call 911 in an emergency. The glasses will be donated to the Athens Lions Club which sends the glasses to those in need in developing countries of the world. The Journals will be donated to those in need in developing countries of the world; Iraq, India and Cuba.

This event was supported by the following policies:
530.006 MSS Donation of Medical Journals
60.010 MSS Encouraging Vision Screenings for School Children

Legislative awareness

Boston University School of Medicine
Resolution Writing Workshop
The Boston University School of Medicine chapter is hosting a two-part series of resolution writing workshops to help bring student organizations’ goals to the attention of the AMA (whether it be by increasing interest in a medical specialty, awareness of a certain patient population, enactment of new treatment guidelines, education on a certain topic, or anything in between). They will inform organizations, in a fun and educational way, about the current organization of medicine, how the AMA gets medical policy passed, and how to write a resolution that could be future policy that influences the entire institution of medicine. This resolution writing workshop will be a dialog about policy, how it's formed, how students can be actively involved in shaping it, and how they can help achieve the goals of their club and/or the goals of your parent organization. They will be hosting a 2 part series whereby student organizations can write resolutions pertinent to the missions and goals of individual student organizations, which could eventually become policy supported by the AMA and the U.S. government.

this event was supported by the following policies:
645.013MSS

Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Voter Outreach
Dr. Hertzka, Immediate Past President of the California Medical Association, will be hosting a one hour discussion of the special election that is coming up soon with particular attention paid to the propositions related to prescription drug benefits, abortion access and minor parent issues, redistricting proposals, and budgetary issues. The event will occur over lunch, and will include a sign in with which to follow up with nonmembers.

This event was supported by the following policies:
E 2.015 Mandatory Parental Consent to Abortion
H 5.993 Right to Privacy in Termination of Pregnancy
H 110.997 Cost of Prescription Drugs
H 165.873 Health Plan Coverage for Over the Counter Drugs
H 165.872 The Medicare Pharmaceutical Debate
D 110.998 Pharmaceutical Costs
D 110.997 Pharmaceutical Spending in the United States

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Covering the Uninsured Lobbying Skills Session
This chapter’s "Lobby Day" will regard the plight of uninsured populations in support of the national objective of AMA. They will format the event to teach medical students from both Northwestern University as well as other area medical schools about the logistics of lobbying techniques and the basis of current policies and issues. They will hold this workshop in the winter when congress is out of session in order to invite members of the legislature, depending on their availability.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 165.870 Strategies for Increasing Access and Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
H165.861 Use of Federal Surpluses for Uninsured Americans
H165.904 Universal Health Coverage

St. Louis University
Tort Reform – How and Why We Need to Alert our State Government of its Importance
Chapter arranged a "Tort Reform – How and Why We Need to Alert our State Government of its Importance" event. A state senator addressed the medical students regarding tort reform, explained how voting on new tort reform laws will impact medicine's future, and urged the students to become proactive by becoming members of the AMA.
This event was supported by the following policy:
270.001MSS Support of Legislation Affecting Medical Students

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Medical Liability Forum
Students from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill arranged a "Medical Liability Forum" to inform fellow medical students about the current medical liability crisis that doctors are facing. Speakers were invited from the North Carolina Medical Society, medical liability lobbying groups and a doctors-run insurance company.

This event was supported by the following policy: H-435.978 Federal Medical Liability Reform

University of Rochester
Health Care Reform
Students from the University of Rochester hosted a "Health Care Reform" educational seminar. The goal of this event was to provide an opportunity for students to learn about the current state of the health care delivery system and specifics about some of the plans being proposed for health care reform in the United States. Several local speakers addressed the medical students on these issues.

This event was supported by the following policy: H-165.985 Opposition to Nationalized Health Care

University of South Dakota - Vermillion Campus
Student Trip to State Legislative Session
The project involves a 290-mile field trip to Pierre, S.D., the state capital. Planned activities include attending House and Senate Committee meetings, a presentation by the state epidemiologist, a tour of the State Department of Health Laboratory, a lunch presentation about issues of importance related to the National AMA and the South Dakota State Medical Association, a presentation by the Secretary of Health, and a meeting between students and the Governor and other leaders of the State Legislature. The goal of this student field trip is to facilitate exposure of first- and second-year medical students to the South Dakota state legislative process and to increase their awareness of health policy and the impact of policy on the delivery of medical care.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H-295.953 Medical Student Legislative Awareness

University of Virginia
Health Policy Lecture Series
Chapter arranged four health policy lectures spaced throughout the Fall and Winter. The speakers selected for the lecture series discussed the current legislative and policy environment, showcased their proposals for change and improvement, and discussed actions currently being undertaken. The Spring lectures will serve as promotion for activism in state and national lobby days.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 130.953 Health Care Access Education Program
H 165.979 Access to Health Care for the Uninsured
H 165.917 Health Care Reform/Tort Reform

Wright State School of Medicine
Voter Registration Drive
Chapter held a voter registration drive in the student union. Flyers were distributed on the situation with medical liability in the state of Ohio and its impact on the availability of health care for the people of Ohio. These flyers also outlined the AMA's policy toward universal health care.

This event was supported by the following policies:
165.007 Steps in Advancing towards affordable Universal Access to Health Insurance
437.007 U.S. Medical Liability Crises and the Impact on Clinical Medical Education

Medical education

Medical College of Wisconsin
Career Planning
Students from the Medical College of Wisconsin arranged a "Residency Day" to assist students in career development, specifically aiding third-year medical students in residency program searches and in deciding on specialties. Third-year students met with residency program directors to discuss the specifics of the respective programs.

They also held "career development planning seminar" provide an opportunity for first- second-year medical students begin to explore their options career selection. a luncheon speaker addressed the match process residency selection, break-out sessions provided interaction with residents and staff.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-200.960 Availability of Information on Physician Workforce Needs for Residency Applicants
325.001 MSS Medical Specialty Information Brochures
H-310.982 Reevaluation of Residency Selection Process

Membership recruitment

Albany Medical College
Recruitment Information Luncheon
Chapter organized a recruitment information luncheon for the freshman class designed to educate the Class of 2008 on the AMA-MSS' goals, activities and programs. Additionally, Albany's specific goals and planned activities for the upcoming school year were highlighted.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H-635.070 Membership Marketing and Communication

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Duke University School of Medicine
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
North Carolina – AMA Medical School Olympics
The North Carolina Medical School Olympics is an annual competition among the four medical schools in the state of North Carolina  Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, and ECU. The project is designed to foster working relationships between the four schools and to offer an opportunity for the students of these schools to interact. The event included a picnic, followed by a number of physical activities, including football, soccer, softball, frisbee, tug of war, volleyball, basketball, and others.

This event was supported by the following policy:
G-635.010 AMA Membership Strategy: General Approaches

Case Western Reserve University
Election and General Meeting
Students from Case Western Reserve University held an election and general meeting. In addition to the election of new officers, information was conveyed to the chapter regarding recent state and national events. A local physician was in attendance to talk about local events affecting medicine.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-635.010 AMA Membership Strategy: General Approaches
H-165.954 Organized Medicine's Role in Health Care Policy and Implementation

Chicago Medical School/The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Membership Recruitment and Chapter Meetings
The chapter planned two events at the start of the school year. They will have a booth at the student activities fair to recruit members and share with them the benefits of being an AMA member. Additionally, they will be having a “Welcome Back Luncheon” hosted by the Dean of The Chicago Medical School, Arthur J. Ross, MD, and the Dean of Student Affairs, Cathy Lazarus, MD. They will speak to the students about the role they have as future health care professionals. Additionally, they have asked them to address how students can benefit from AMA membership since the success of the AMA Health Care Advocacy Agenda has important implication for medical students today and in the future.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H–635.070 Membership Marketing and Communication;
H 635.010 AMA Membership Strategy: General Approaches

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Quillen College of Medicine
Membership Recruitment Lunch/Dinner
The ETSU chapter will hold a recruitment lunch to offer the new class an opportunity to learn more about the AMA and benefits of membership. Current members will be on hand to let everyone know why they should be members and how they can be involved in shaping the future of medicine.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H 635.070 Membership Marketing and Communication

Eastern Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical School Olympics
The Brody School of Medicine and Wake Forest University AMA chapters will be co-sponsoring a Medical School Olympics (MSO) during their North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) meeting. This event will include participants from the Brody School of Medicine School, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine and Wake Forest School of Medicine. The MSO will involve participation of AMA members and nonmembers in competitive events, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee and softball. There will be a cookout at the conclusion of the MSO to encourage social interaction among the different schools. Participation in this event will allow student AMA members from the entire state of North Carolina to get to know one another and exchange ideas on how to improve AMA membership in their respective schools.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 540.998 Improved Communication with Medical Students
H 545.930 AMA Membership Strategy
H–545.942 House of Delegates Task Force on Membership
H 555.960 Report of the Task Force on Membership at I-98

Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM)
NEOUCOM AMA Pool Tournament
NEOUCOM invited all students and anyone else affiliated with the college to participate in the tournament. There will be food and drinks served and prizes for winners. This event will take place on campus at the tables we already have.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H 545.930 AMA Membership Strategy

Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health
Why the AMA is Right for YOU
The Ohio State University AMA MSS officers held an introductory meeting for the incoming Med 1 class at OSU. They provided food for 220 people and spent the lunch hour explaining all the benefits of joining the AMA and giving students direction on how to become involved in the AMA. Their goal was to recruit more members by explaining the benefits of the AMA and give those new members ways to become involved.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H 635.070 Membership Marketing and Communication

University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
Think About Your Future
The chapter is hosting a dinner with a question/answer panel about the USMLE for M2 students. In addition to the panel, a presentation about the benefits of AMA membership will be given. A handout of tips for the USMLE will be distributed, which will also include more information about the AMA. They titled the event "Think about your Future," not only for the upcoming USMLE, but also because they want nonmembers to begin to think of the AMA as their lifelong professional organization. This is a recruiting event designed to recruit M2 students who either did not renew membership from their first year or have never been members.

This event was supported by the following policy:
655.029MSS Increasing Membership Retention and Activity of Upper Class Medical Students

Obesity

Albany Medical College
GET FIT: THE 10,000 STEPS CHALLENGE
The MSS chapter will invite all Albany Medical College students to take 10,000 steps a day and to document them using a pedometer and a daily log. Pedometers will be given out to all participants during the first week of January. Participants will be asked to keep logs and submit them on a weekly basis for a four week period. Winners will be defined as those who document the most number of steps. Winners will be selected from each of the four classes on a weekly basis and rewarded. At the end of the project, the class that takes the most number of steps will be rewarded with a study break breakfast.

This event was supported by the following policy:
440.021MSS Promoting Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
AMA Chapter Fall Conference on Obesity
The conference began with a keynote address by the Assistant Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control. After the keynote speaker, there were two sessions of three concurrent workshops. The workshops included: (1) motivating adult patients to make behavior changes; (2) pediatric obesity; and, (3) medical and surgical options for morbid obesity. The conference ended with a dinner and discussion about what was learned at the conference and how that information can be applied to activities the participants are doing now, as well as recruiting volunteers for our community service events.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
440.013 MSS Obesity as a Chronic Disease
440.018 MSS Childhood Obesity as a Public Health Epidemic

The Chicago Medical School/Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Healthy Lifestyles to Reduce Obesity in Children
In accordance with AMA’s national service project on obesity, The Chicago Medical School is planning a "Healthy Lifestyles to Reduce Obesity" event at North Elementary School in Waukegan, Ill. Waukegan is home to primarily African American and Hispanic families. The American Obesity Association’s Web site says the known fact that, “Overweight and obesity in the U.S. occur at higher rates in racial/ethnic minority populations such as African American and Hispanic Americans.” That is why this school is eager to contribute to their own local communities of Waukegan and North Chicago by starting with its youth.

Working closely with the school’s administration and nurse, the medical school student volunteers will educate the 5th grade class of over 100 at-risk children about the adverse aspects of obesity. Through their age-appropriate curriculum, their goal will be to educate at-risk children about obesity, proper nutrition and the importance of physical activity. They have created a list of fun activities for children to achieve the event's goal. These activities will include, but not be limited to: an interactive “mini gross out” lecture about what unhealthy food can to one’s body, heart healthy tag game, a healthy snack, creation of individualized health pledges to be created and signed by the students, a jump rope and a flyer sent home to their parents describing the goal of this educational event.

This event was supported by the following policies:
440.018MSS Childhood Obesity as a Public Health Epidemic
D 60.990 Exercise and Health Eating for Children
H 350.972 Improving the Health of Black and Minority Populations
H 150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
H 440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern
H 405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service

Mercer University School of Medicine
Run for Your Life 5K Race
The Mercer chapter has organized a 5K Run/Walk and a 1-mile fun run to encourage both adults and children to exercise and have fun. During the event, they will have several booths set up to distribute information on healthy lifestyles. The chapter believes that children are more inclined to have a healthy lifestyle if their parents have one too. One of their goals with this project is to encourage parents and children to participate in fun physical activities together so that children see their parents exercising and partake as well. To meet this goal, they will have a fun atmosphere where parents and children will enjoy exercising, and they will distribute information teaching parents how to organize fun exercise programs for their families. The second goal of the project is to educate parents and children on the importance of exercise and nutrition. To meet this goal, they will distribute information on living a healthy lifestyle, which will include information on nutrition and fitness. Also, they will help participants calculate their body mass index and explain the impact of obesity on health.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern
D-60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating For Children
D-440.980 Recognizing and Taking Action in Response to the Obesity Crisis

Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM)
Educating Parents on Childhood Obesity
Since childhood obesity is a growing problem in our country, the Midwestern University chapter will educate parents on how to prevent this problem or correct this problem, which may lead to serious complications in the future. By attending a PTA meeting in inner city Chicago, they will discuss with parents how to monitor their children's eating habits and exercise so that they can lead healthier lives. They will also show the adverse effects of obesity and how to prevent these effects from manifesting.

This event was supported by the following policies:
D60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children
H 440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern

Northeastern Ohio Universities
Health Fair
Chapter organized a health fair to raise public awareness of the problems of obesity, smoking, diabetes and hypertension. The Chapter also provided information on the community resources available to help with these health issues.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H-440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medicine Run and Health Fair
The Medicine Run is a 5K run and health fair and also includes a children's obstacle course. The Medicine Run and Health Fair theme is "Let's Get Active" to promote and educate the community on the importance of exercise, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits. This project will meet these goals by holding a fun run widely publicized in the community that will help to promote exercise and fitness. Also, many booths will be set up to inform and discuss important topics, such as nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits with the participants and community members that attend.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-470.990 Promotion of Exercise within Medicine and Society
D60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children

Pennsylvania State College of Medicine
Obesity: A Public Outreach Program
Chapter set up an informational booth at local public mall to educate the public about the risks associated with obesity. Students calculated the BMI, Framingham risk and blood pressure of people who stopped by the booth. They also provided ideas about beneficial modifications (exercise, proper nutrition) and encouraged obesity prevention, such as adults encouraging children to be active and have proper nutrition. Students encouraged at-risk patients to make an appointment to visit their family doctor or health care provider.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
D-440.980 Recognizing and Taking Action in Response to the Obesity Crisis

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Healthy Lifestyles to Reduce Obesity
The PCOM chapter visited a local middle school to teach healthy living to sixth grade students. The project began in Spring and recommenced in Fall, and involved monthly visits to the school to address such issues as diet planning, stress reduction, smoking cessation and disease prevention. They also created a handout that included several healthy recipes as well as healthy ingredient substitutions and gave this to the middle school children to take home.

This event was supported by the following policies:
D-440.980 Recognizing and Taking Action in Response to the Obesity Crisis
H-440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern
H-170.984 Healthy Living Behaviors

Rush Medical College
Curing Childhood Obesity
This is a two-part project to educate parents and children at a local junior high school. Part I will include presentations to both parents and students regarding a healthier lifestyle. Topics to be discussed include promoting an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, and budget conscious healthy purchases at the grocery store. There will then be an interactive program regarding a variety of physical activities and free Chicago Park District programs available this summer. In Part II, they will host a guest speaker who will discuss with the M1 and M2 class the growing obesity epidemic and its implications.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
H 440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern
D 60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children

University of Arizona College of Medicine
Back to School Night
Back to School Night is an annual event that provides children of refugees from around the world now residing in Tucson, Ariz., with a new outfit, school supplies, and health information at the start of the school year. The project aims to give these children the tools they need to succeed in their new school and new environment. A brand new outfit and school supplies helps put these kids on equal footing with their classmates. During the event, the chapter will provide the kids with a healthy dinner, as well as tips on how to pick healthy lunch and snack foods throughout the school year so they have the energy to perform their best. They will also hold games that encourage physical activity both at the event and in daily life.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
H 440.902 Obesity as a Major Public Health Concern
D 60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Get Healthy Now…Even Kids Essay Contest
Medical students involved in the UAMS chapter of the AMA in conjunction with the Arkansas Medical Society have sponsored an essay contest for 4th and 5th grade elementary students in the Greater Little Rock Arkansas area. In efforts to carry out the AMA-MSS’s National Service Project of obesity, medical students have designed an essay contest and attended local elementary schools informing them of the importance of living a healthy life! The Get Healthy Now  Even Kids Essay Contest is an initiative that focuses on productive health planning, asking kids to provide examples of a healthy lifestyle, including a daily diet and exercise plan. Contest participants are required to design a daily schedule of what they consider to be a healthy lifestyle for kids their age. In addition, participants are asked to provide a one-page essay supporting their plan. Essays will be submitted for review by medical students as well as professors in the College of Medicine. Authors of the top three winning entries will be awarded $25, $50 and $75 gift cards to an area sports and recreation retailer; the winner will also have his/her essay published in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 170.984 Healthy Living Behaviors
D 60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children
H 170.971 Management of Disorders of Cholesterol, Triglyceride, and Lipoprotein Metabolism

University of Florida
Biggest Loser Contest
To promote healthy lifestyles among medical students, the chapter is initiating a two-month contest to lose body weight and body fat. They will take percent body fat measurements, waist, hip and arm circumference measurements, along with weight measurements at the beginning and end of the contest. The top three who lose the most weight or percent body fat based on a point system will win prizes.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
H 440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern

University of Illinois, College of Medicine in Rockford
United for Your Health, Hispanic Health Fair
The health fair promoted healthy lifestyle behaviors. The University of Illinois Extension provided healthy recipes and information on the importance of eating a balanced diet. They also distributed low fat submarine sandwiches and fruits for lunch. The Rockford Park District offered information on outdoor activities, and raffle prizes for free passes to local fitness centers were awarded.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 350.972 Improving the Health of Black and Minority Populations
H 170.989 Health Fairs
H 170.984 Health Living Behaviors

>University of Kentucky College of Medicine
TEAMS Clinic Happenin' Halloween
The TEAMS  Teens Enjoying Active Management Systems  pediatric obesity clinic usually has their weekly counseling session on Monday evening. This year, the University of Kentucky AMA MSS chapter wanted to help these kids have a great Halloween without the added pounds of candy! They will provide lots of games and activities including a multi pad Twister twist off, a Dance Dance Revolution challenge (using a PS2, dance pads, game, and TV purchased with a separate grant), relay races, a costume contest for the kids AND adults, prize fishing, face and pumpkin painting, and more! Kids will go home with healthy prizes (sports equipment) and sensible snack foods (100 calorie packs, dried fruit). They hope to give them a fun AND healthy Halloween!

This event was supported by the following policies:
440.018MSS Childhood Obesity as a Public Health Epidemic
440.021MSS Promoting Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles
H 440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern.
D 440.980 Recognizing and Taking Action in Response to the Obesity Crisis

University of Missouri Kansas City
Childhood Obesity Lecture Series
Chapter designed a lecture series focusing on various childhood obesity issues. The series began with an introductory lecture followed by three lectures throughout the rest of the school year that deal with obesity bias, medical student perceptions on obesity and opportunities for childhood obesity education. This project culminated with students working with the local children's hospital education program on childhood obesity.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 405.991 Volunteerism and Community Service
H 405.996 Voluntary Service by Physicians
D 60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children

University of North Carolina School of Medicine
A Walking Trail in Weeks Park
Newton Grove is a rural underserved village in eastern North Carolina. Absent of sidewalks, sufficient recreation facilities and fitness centers, the built community does not foster opportunities for physical activity. This project will build a 1/4-mile walking trail in Weeks Park - the only park and located in the center of Newton Grove. The goals of this project are to: 1) increase opportunities for physical activity in Newton Grove; this walking trail is easily accessible and appropriate for all community members to use from the youngest to oldest, poorest to wealthiest; 2) provide a resource for local physicians to refer community members when advising them to be physically active—located in the center of town and close to physician offices, this trail will meet that need; and 3) demonstrate UNC School of Medicine and AMA's commitment to, not only promoting physical activity, but also providing the commitment and resources to help make it easier for poor communities.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
H 440.917 Increased Physical Activity for Most US Adults
H 470.997 Exercise and Physical Fitness

University of North Texas Health Science Center
Obesity Awareness
Chapter focused on developing public awareness of the health risks of obesity and promoting the importance of exercise and diet in combating this crisis through distributing literature and bike helmets at the university's annual "D.O. Dash."

This event was supported by the following policies:
D-440.980 Recognizing and Taking Action in Response to the Obesity Crisis
D-60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children
H-150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program

University of South Alabama
Junior Doctors
This chapter is putting together a healthy lifestyles program for their local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. They will have three sessions over the course of the semester with the students and talk to then about making healthy choices to reduce obesity. The sessions will cover healthy eating, the importance of exercise, and the importance of staying away from drugs.

This event was supported by the following policies:
440.018MSS Childhood Obesity as a Public Health Epidemic
440-902MSS Education Regarding Childhood Obesity

University of South Dakota-Rapid City
Anti-Obesity Campaign
Students from the University of South Dakota-Rapid City organized an "Anti-Obesity Campaign." The goals of this event were to determine the levels of obesity among local high school students and measure if there was a correlation between the student's BMI and at-school snacking habits. A survey was conducted of the high school students through the coordinated efforts with the local Wellness Advisory Committee.

This event was supported by the following policy: H-150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program

University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls
Serving breakfast at the local food kitchen
Members of the third- and fourth-year classes in Sioux Falls will serve breakfast at the local food kitchen. In addition to serving breakfast, they will provide blood pressure screenings, blood glucose screenings, vision screenings and information about nutrition.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 150.993 Medical Education in Nutrition
150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program

University of South Florida
Promoting Nutrition and Exercise
The chapter is organizing a health fair in an underserved community where they will speak about the importance of exercise and eating well. They will do exercises with the kids and teach them about the benefits of eating right and being active. They will pass out fruit and vegetables and talk to the mothers about nutrition and easy places to get cheap but healthy food.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-470.991 Promotion of Exercise
H-470.990 Promotion of Exercise within Medicine and Society
D60.990 Exercise and Healthy Eating for Children

University of Texas Southwestern
5K Run
Chapter planned a 5K run for children to positively impact the childhood obesity epidemic in the local community. Interactions are planned with the parents of the involved children to encourage healthy lifestyles.

This event was supported by the following policy:
H-440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern

Wright State University
Healthy Lifestyles Week
The students at Wright State University are organizing a Healthy Lifestyles Week. They will bring in various health care providers to address issues such as obesity, nutrition, drinking alcohol, smoking and heart health. They plan on having keynote speakers and panel discussions to address these events, each day of the week. At the panel, they will also have individuals who have quit smoking, people will alcohol dependency, those fighting obesity and/or having major heart problems to speak about their lives and what they wish they had done to change their current situation. Additionally, they would like them to talk about what they are doing now to deal with their situations, or how they were able to change their situations. These programs will be open to the entire Dayton Community, as these issues pose a serious problem and lead to significant health risks.

This event was supported by the following policies:
440.013 Obesity as a Chronic Disease

Organ & tissue donation

Brown Medical School
Education and Awareness about Organ Transplantation
Students from Brown Medical School arranged an "Education and Awareness about Organ Transplantation" lecture series. The goal of this series was to educate medical students on the issues surrounding organ donation. Particular emphasis was placed on the current organ allocation system in the US and the role that medical students and physicians could play in the process.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-270.963 Organ Donation
H-370.971 Increasing Organ Donation

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bone Marrow Registry
Chapter organized a "Bone Marrow Registry" to increase the number of total bone marrow registered donors. To encourage registration, the chapter financed the registration fee for Caucasian donors, as minority donors are already waived the fee.

This event was supported by the following policies:
D-370.993 Increasing the Number of Donor Organs
H-370.996 Organ Donor Recruitment

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Life Buddies: Blood Donation and Bone Marrow Registration
The chapter will be sponsoring a bone marrow registration drive, in conjunction with a blood drive, on their hospital campus. The event will take place in a well-known meeting hall and all will be encouraged to walk through the door by a huge blood drop character. Additionally, they will be providing breakfast for donors to encourage them to check it out.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 370.974 Working Toward an Increased Number of Minorities Registered as Potential Bone Marrow Donors
H 50.980 Increasing Bone Marrow Screening
H 50.990 Blood Shortage and Collection

Medical University of South Carolina
Organ Donation and Transplant: Community Awareness
A local transplant surgeon gave a lecture on organ donation to a group of 100 students. There was a question/answer portion so students could ask specifics and address concerns. Organ donation cards were provided. Also, a group of student volunteers worked with the local organ transplant coordinators, Lifepoint Services, to set up booths at the two area malls to answer questions, display facts, and provide organ donation cards to the community.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H 370.971 Increasing Organ Donation
H 370.996 Organ Donor Recruitment
D 370.997 The Physician's Role in Organ Donation

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Bone Marrow Registration Drive
The chapter at the University of Arkansas will organize a bone marrow registry to increase the number of minority donors and educate the community on how becoming a bone marrow donor can potentially help save lives. They will encourage registration among all ethnic groups in the community by financing the registration fees for Caucasians and informing minority groups in the community about bone marrow donation and the need for minority groups. The goal is to increase community awareness regarding the disparity in the number of minority bone marrow donors by informing the community about the drive through local media and speaking to different organizations during the bone marrow education week before the day of the drive. They also hope to improve the odds of successful HLA matching and bone marrow transplantation by increasing the registered number of potential minority and Caucasian donors throughout the bone marrow drive.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-370.974 Working Toward an Increased Number of Minorities Registered as Potential Bone Marrow Donors
H-50.977 Blood Donor Recruitment
H-370.996 Organ Donor Recruitment
D-370.933 Increasing the Number of Donor Organs

University of Illinois-Rockford
Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Day
Students from the University of Illinois-Rockford arranged an "Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Day" to recruit organ and bone marrow donors and to increase donor awareness. The chapter had a transplant surgeon speak on donation and transplant procedures followed by a bone marrow registration and blood drive.

This event was supported by the following policies:
D-370.993 Increasing the Number of Donor Organs
H-370.998 Organ Donation and Honoring Organ Donor Wishes

Tobacco

Baylor College of Medicine
Promoting Smoke Free Work Places in Houston
Students from Baylor College of Medicine coordinated a "Promoting Smoke-free Workplaces in Houston" event. Goals of this event were to mobilize medical students to collect signatures from the local community in support of a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars in the Houston area.

This event was supported by the following policy: 490.017 MSS Smoking Around Public Buildings

Medical College of Ohio
Smoking Cessation and "Tar Wars"
Students from the Medical College of Ohio organized a smoking cessation and "Tar Wars" event to educate medical students and the larger university community about resources available to combat tobacco use. Resources were provided to help identify modes of approaching the patient on the history of tobacco use.

This event was supported by the following policy: 490.000 MSS Tobacco

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
West Philadelphia High School Health Fair
Students from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted a table at a local high school health fair in order to educate and encourage the students not to use tobacco. Educational information was provided and students were able to view and use many of the nonsmoking props the chapter had purchased for educational events.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-425.993 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
H-490.973 Smoking Cessation

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Tar Wars/The Extinguisher
Students from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences organized a "Tar Wars" event aimed at educating third and forth grade students about the health risks associated with tobacco use. The Extinguisher and Dr. Know made appearances in each classroom and medical students performed the Tar Wars program module with the elementary students.

This event was supported by the following policy: H-170.987 "Smoke-Free" Educational Programs

University of Michigan Medical School
Chapter organized a "Smoke-Free Night Out" event to support smoke free restaurants and bars in Ann Arbor and to demonstrate to students the benefits of smoke-free venues.

This event was supported by the following policies:
H-425.993 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
H-490.982 Support of a Tobacco-Free Society

Wayne State University
Kick Butt's Postcard Campaign
Students from Wayne State University organized a "Kick Butt's Postcard Campaign." The project produced postcards created by local youth featuring artwork and statistics, figures and links to anti-tobacco resources. The postcards were distributed throughout the community by AMA-MSS medical students.

This event was supported by the following policy: H-490.973 Smoking Cessation

Wright State University
Walk America
Students from Wright State University collaborated with the local March of Dimes on Walk America 2004 by hosting a non-smoking booth at the event. The goal of the chapter's participation was to educate the public about the hazards of smoking, especially related to prenatal and perinatal care.

this event was supported by the following policies:>
490.000 MSS Tobacco
500.00 MSS Tobacco: Marketing and Promotion

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