The Alumni Annual Fund supports the Senior Citizen Outreach Program, a student organization dedicated to assisting Detroit’s elderly. Students help seniors monitor their health through blood pressure screenings several times each month at the St. Patrick Senior Center. Students also work with seniors to discuss the dangers of hypertension, effective ways to monitor and control blood pressure, and other steps to maintaining good health.

The program is coordinated by Jaimie Bolda, David Tiesma and Shivani Shah, all second-year medical students, and is advised by WSU School of Medicine alum Joel Steinberg, M.D., ’78, a geriatrician at the Detroit Medical Center.

Students are able to give back to the community while practicing vital skills necessary for physicians. “I think it's very important for students to take time away from the books and learn how to communicate with others who are different, since the doctor-patient relationship is central to our success as future physicians," Tiesma said.

The program recognizes that health is a priority, but also allows students to take time to interact with the seniors. All participants benefit from the activities of the program, which create opportunities for learning and growth.

"Sometimes just providing them with a listening ear is fulfilling for both the senior and the student,” Bolda said. “I've learned a lot about the history of Detroit and have come to appreciate the hardships many of its citizens have faced."

Tiesma agreed. "Getting a chance to talk with the seniors has been the most rewarding outcome for me. I thoroughly enjoy hearing about their life experiences and the wisdom that they are so eager to share.”

To make a gift to support student programming like the Senior Citizen Outreach Program, click here.