CDU Students Turn FIFA World Cup Excitement Into Community Action

Student with Mayor Karen Bass
Student with Mayor Karen Bass

Nearly three dozen Charles R. Drew University students put their education into action during LA Metro’s FIFA Fan Festival events by providing health screenings, wellness education, and resources to hundreds of community members at Leimert Park, Magic Johnson Park, and the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Metro Station.

Joined by faculty and staff, 32 students representing the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing (MMDCON), Radiologic Technology Program, and the Physician Assistant Program conducted 75 blood pressure screenings, including one for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who stopped briefly at the CDU table. CDU’s Mobile Health Unit also provided support for the events.

“The most important part of community service is simply showing up, and these students did much more than that,” said Adrienne M. Thompson, MMDCON Community Relations Manager. “They demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, compassion, and commitment at each LA Metro FIFA Fan Fest event.”

The experience provided an opportunity for students to put classroom learning into practice while serving the very communities CDU was established to support.

“As student nurses in the community, we’re bridging the gap between the knowledge our communities need and the knowledge we are also receiving in the classroom,” said Khaliah Sanders, Entry-Level Master of Science (ELM) in Nursing student. “Bringing the two together reinforces what we’re learning.”

Student in white coat helping a community member

“It was rewarding to see people happily engage in conversations about their health, including blood pressure, what normal ranges are, and how to maintain a healthy heart,” added Briana Hammond, fellow ELM in Nursing student.