By Lacey Desserault

Mental healthcare is a growing priority for many Washington residents. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic uncovered a great need for mental health professionals across the United States, with many rural areas lacking access to professionals completely.

Hailing from the small town of Centerville, Washington with a population of 101, Derek Greenwood, a Washington State University Tri-Cities student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program, has a dedication to serving rural communities through healthcare. Apart from being a full-time graduate student, Greenwood works as an emergency room registered nurse in Goldendale, Washington and as a clinical instructor in a community college nursing program in The Dalles, Oregon.

“My underserved rural communities suffer from a lack of healthcare in general and mental healthcare in particular,” Greenwood said. “If mental health providers do come to our towns, they often come from larger cities with different mores, concerns, and lifestyles and lack an understanding of the rural, Native American, or migrant farmworker populations that live here.”

As someone recovering from substance abuse and mental health issues, Greenwood is familiar with the growing concerns of access to psychiatric care in rural communities.

“For many years, I was addicted, homeless and living on the streets, a shelter resident, in rehab, chronically unemployable, and more,” he said. “This personal experience allows me to compassionately connect with patients and bring an understanding of how hard change can be and what I and the healthcare system can do to help achieve it. Having been downtrodden and hopeless before, I aim to not only treat and counsel patients but also serve as an example of what sufferers of substance use disorder and mental health conditions can achieve when we do the hard work of recovery.”

Greenwood was recently awarded a prestigious scholarship for his efforts in the psychiatric mental health nursing field. The Lois Spratlen Foundation Scholarship recognizes psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students in the state of Washington who show leadership and skill and are dedicated to serving their communities. The scholarship is awarded to just a handful of students who show their commitment to their local populations and are making a positive difference.

Aside from monetary assistance toward education, the scholarship provides a free one-year membership in the Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses and free admission to their annual conference, which Greenwood expressed he is looking forward to. “Because rural providers often feel isolated and without ready in-person consultation partners, it is essential to maintain membership in professional associations and attend conferences. Even more than the monetary award, the generous offer of inclusion in the association and related events is invaluable.”

Greenwood credits his advisor, Bevan Briggs, academic director of the ���سԹ� College of Nursing, for personally connecting with him in choosing where to study and encouraging Greenwood to apply for the prestigious scholarship.

“Derek has made a difference in his community and has a passion for helping individuals with substance abuse disorder,” said Briggs. “He stands out as a leader for the Doctor of Nursing Practice students at ���سԹ�. He has extensive experience and skill and will continue to be a great help for his community and for the state of Washington.”

Greenwood chose to attend ���سԹ� over other programs because the Mid-Columbia region mirrors the population he seeks to work with. “I am dedicated to remaining a rural psychiatric provider, so I thought it best to learn my craft among the populations I will serve here east of the Cascades,” he said.

The DNP program at ���سԹ� collaborates with other WSU campuses, where the cohorts of students receive top-tier education from instructors with a variety of backgrounds and fields of expertise.

“Dr. Jose Pares-Avila, based at WSU Vancouver, was instrumental in testifying to the foundation regarding my academic ability and character. His support was essential. Additionally, Dr. Julie Postma, based in Spokane, provided invaluable encouragement. And, of course, Dr. Bevan Briggs of ���سԹ�. We Richland DNP students may be based in the Tri-Cities, but our cohort and instructors span the entire WSU constellation, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t advocate for them to be mentioned, no matter their physical location,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood plans to graduate with his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in June of 2025, and hopes to practice for a small rural healthcare organization in eastern Washington. “Preferably somewhere I could ride my horse to work if I wanted,” he said.

Learn more about the nursing program at ���سԹ�.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Two nonprofits that provide free medical and social services to community members in the regional Tri-Cities now have iPads to help expand access to translation and interpreting services. The access to the technology was made possible by a partnership with Washington State University Tri-Cities nursing students and the .

provides free medical, dental and mental health services to uninsured individuals. The provides a free place to sleep, as well as social and medical support services, to regional homeless individuals.

Avonte Jackson, director of Grace Clinic, said the clinic serves a large population of individuals whose primary language is one other than English. She said it can be challenging to find volunteers who can interpret medical terminology. This is especially��difficult for family members who may be asked to translate medical jargon for relatives at their appointments, she said.

Giving back to the community as part of education

In a class focusing on community health practices, ���سԹ� nursing students examined what they could do to help expand medical access in areas where it was crucially needed. While completing clinical experiences at Grace Clinic, the group noticed the need for translation for patients that don’t speak English.

“As a group, we chose to focus on the immigrant and refugee population in the Tri-Cities area,” said Magaly Torres, a senior ���سԹ� nursing student at the time and now alumna. “While completing clinicals at Grace Clinic, we found that many patients do not speak English and the majority required an interpreter.”

Torres and fellow students Bridget Hohl and Beth Phillips came up with the idea to use iPads to provide the service, as they provided great versatility at a relatively small price point. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the group faced challenges with raising the funds needed to finalize the project.

���سԹ� student Mikaela Thepvongsa said where they would normally host public fundraising events, such as a bake sale, those opportunities were no longer an option, as of last spring. Their instructor, Jennifer Larson, came up with the idea to submit a proposal to the Kadlec Foundation this fall.

“The Kadlec Foundation graciously donated funds to purchase two refurbished iPads for Grace Clinic and the Union Gospel Mission,” Thepvongsa said.

Expanding translation and interpreting services

Jackson said the donation of an iPad will allow Grace Clinic to expand access to medical services in a large way.

“We serve a large Spanish-speaking population, but also individuals who speak a variety of other languages,” she said. “This technology will help us in communicating with patients and their family members as we seek to expand access to medical care in the Tri-Cities for those who otherwise couldn’t afford it due to lack of insurance or other factors.”

Similar to Grace Clinic, the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission serves clients whose original home countries span the globe. Chariss Warner, the ministry director, said an iPad will also allow their staff and volunteers to address issues in a culturally-sensitive manner.

“I can think of specific examples where words we use can cause fear or misunderstandings,” Warner said. “Having this ability to meet the clients where they are at will be life-changing for many. It will help us build trust and understanding between clients and the health care industry, as a whole.”

“I would just like to thank (���سԹ� nursing students) for seeing a need and then meeting the need,” Warner said. “It takes a special group of people to not just see a problem and walk away in judgement, but to come alongside and in partnership to raise the standard of care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Support from Kadlec Foundation

Rebecca Thornton, development manager at the Kadlec Foundation, said Kadlec has made a targeted effort this year, especially amid the pandemic, to offer more community-facing programming and services outside of what they provide through the traditional clinical setting.

“That has been extra important, given the last year and limitations for in-person access to medical services,” she said. “Technology like iPads has allowed us to grow patient access to seeing medical professionals, as well as breaking down additional barriers to medical services. We are thrilled to be able to partner with the ���سԹ� nursing program to provide this resource to Grace Clinic and the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.”

For more information about the ���سԹ� nursing program and ways to partner, visit tricities.wsu.edu/nursing.

 

Media contacts:

Avonte Jackson, Grace Clinic director, 509-735-2300, avontej@gracecliniconline.org

Chariss Warner, Tri-City Union Gospel Mission ministries director, 509-547-2112 Ext. 112, maegan_murray@wsu.edu

Mikaela Thepvongsa, ���سԹ� nursing student, mikaela.thepvongsa@wsu.edu

Maegan Murray, ���سԹ� director of marketing and communication, 619-403-3617 (cell), maegan_murray@wsu.edu

By Maegan Murray, ���سԹ�

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities recognized five female leaders as Women of Distinction for their contributions to the campus and regional Tri-Cities community as part of a ceremony that was held virtually this month.

These individuals exhibit exceptional leadership in their discipline or area of expertise, serve as role models and mentors to other women, advocate for positive social change and demonstrate a commitment to the missions of ���سԹ�.

“Each year, we receive so many incredible nominations for female leaders that have made tremendous impacts on their regional community, as well as for ���سԹ� students and the campus,” said Jaime Heppler, ���سԹ� senior director of development and chair of the ���سԹ� Women of Distinction committee. “This year, we were thrilled to honor five individuals whose leadership transcends their day-to-day work. These are difference-makers in every sense of the word.”

For more information about the ���سԹ� Women of Distinction program, visit tricities.wsu.edu/women-of-distinction.

Sandra Haynes | Chancellor of ���سԹ�
Woman of Distinction Legacy Award

Sandra Haynes��is the��seventh��chancellor of ���سԹ���and��brings��more than��20 years of successful, high-level administrative experience, stemming from leadership��at both a doctoral granting university��with��very high research activities (R1)��and a��regional comprehensive institution��offering bachelor’s��and master’s��degrees. She holds a faculty appointment as professor in the department of psychology.��As��a first-generation student,��she��recognizes the transformative power of higher education and its ability to be a true equalizer for individuals, regardless of life circumstance.��As part of her three years at ���سԹ�, she oversaw the opening of the campus MOSAIC Center for Student Inclusion and is actively overseeing the construction of the new ���سԹ� academic building that opens this June and renovation of the campus library to become a learning commons featuring a wide range of student support services.

 

 

Lindsay Lightner | Education Ph.D. student, coordinator for ���سԹ� College of Education
Woman of Distinction

Through her position as a coordinator for the ���سԹ� College of Education, Lindsay Lightner helps school districts alleviate teacher shortages in hard-to-staff subjects,��such as special education and bilingual education, by helping paraprofessionals become certified teachers.��She advises paraprofessionals in an alternative route program through ���سԹ� and coordinates a National Science Foundation grant regarding socio-environmental science investigations in-partnership with K-12 schools in the region.��In her free time, she works with Girl Scouts, volunteers for K-12 robotics, serves as part of the library board and many other opportunities. She is known as an upstanding educator that is dedicated to sharing her love of learning and exploring.��Lindsay is also a doctoral student in mathematics and science education at ���سԹ�.

 

 

Janet Peters | ���سԹ� scholarly associate professor of psychology and director of instructional excellence and innovation
Woman of Distinction

Janet Peters serves as a scholarly associate professor of psychology and director of instructional excellence and innovation at ���سԹ�. She is continuously recognized for utilizing innovative and engaging teaching strategies in the classroom and often goes above and beyond to ensure her students’ success. She actively incorporates service learning into her classroom environment where students craft real-world solutions to regional issues in partnership with nonprofit organizations. In research, she focuses on student, employee and faculty engagement, innovative instruction and high-engagement pedagogy, student leadership development and student attitudes toward statistics. She also provides professional development in innovative teaching and classroom tools for her fellow ���سԹ� faculty. In addition to the ���سԹ� Women of Distinction award, Peters has been published and recognized as a WSU Outstanding Teaching Award Recipient, LIFT Faculty Fellow, AVID instructor and as a Center for Civic Engagement Faculty Fellow, to name a few.

 

Gabriela Ramirez | ���سԹ� psychology alumna, Spanish teacher at Tri-Cities Prep
Woman of Distinction

Gabriela Ramirez is a graduate of the psychology program at ���سԹ� and currently serves as a Spanish teacher at Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School. As a ���سԹ� student, she was active in bringing her Latino culture to the forefront, serving through the MEChA and the Dreamers’ Club, which advocates for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students regionally. Through her role as a teacher, she continues to raise awareness about various cultures and communities. She brings innovative strategies into the virtual environment as part of her courses, using videos and other virtual experiences to connect the Spanish language to the real-world environment. She also learned from a young age that her greatest passion in life is dance. In 2017, Gabriela and a friend started their own dance organization, Ballet Folklórico ‘Cielo de México.’ Their mission is to keep Mexican traditions alive through dance and bring people from the community closer together. The group has since grown to 40 individuals.

 

Mikaela Thepvongsa | ���سԹ� nursing student, WSU Pullman psychology alumna
Woman of Distinction

Mikaela Thepvongsa is currently pursuing a bachelor’s of science in nursing from ���سԹ� after earning a bachelor’s in psychology from WSU Pullman. In addition to taking on a rigorous course of study, she serves as president of Crimson Scrubs, the nursing student service organization, and with the Disabled Students and Allies Club of ���سԹ�, where she is the liaison officer to the WSU system from ���سԹ�. Additionally, Thepvongsa serves as a WWAMI Area Health Education Center scholar. In this role, she works in an interprofessional capacity to assist with health literacy and language and engages in additional classes and volunteer work. As a deaf student, Mikaela uses her own experiences to continually advocate for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, she has served at hospitals, Safe Harbor’s My Friend’s Place, food banks and churches. In 2019, she participated in a service trip to Mexico with Loma Linda University graduates to help at a dental clinic in poverty-stricken areas.

���سԹ� nursing alum planned to do missionary work abroad, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed his plans

By Maegan Murray

RICHLAND, Wash. – Prior to the onset of COVID-19, recently graduated Washington State University Tri-Cities nursing alumnus Nikita Fisenko had his heart set on traveling abroad as a nursing missionary in areas that otherwise would not have access to medical care.

He hoped to temporarily return to his native country of Uzbekistan to visit his homeland and relive his childhood. He hoped to also travel to Israel to apply both his nursing skill and evangelize to individuals and families.

“I believe there are countless needs around the world, and even in my hometown,” he said.

In college, he worked hard to apply the hands-on learning he received both through the WSU nursing program and through clinical experiences. He studied abroad twice – once to Costa Rica as part of a health translation program, and a second time to Peru with fellow WSU nursing students to provide care to remote communities that otherwise might not receive it. He also completed additional clinical experiences at Kadlec, which wasn’t required for the WSU nursing program after completing the experience abroad in Peru. But he said he wanted to prepare himself as best he could as a future nurse.

His hard work and passion for the field led him to earn the Outstanding Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Student Award last December – given to only one nursing student WSU systemwide.

After graduation, he took several months to complete a program through the Youth Bible Program in Everett, Washington, to prepare a spiritual foundation in his faith, where he read through the whole New Testament of the Bible. With the pandemic that began in March, his plans changed, but he secured a position locally where he could still apply quality care to the regional Tri-Cities community.

“Being a nurse is a gift, a blessing and a privilege,” he said. “Providing holistic care is the best care, and that means physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being.”

Quality care locally

Fisenko took on a registered nursing position with the emergency department at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland in Aug. 2020, where he has continued to put his background in healthcare to good use amid the pandemic.

“Since the onset of COVID-19, my nursing skills, knowledge and training have become the best tools and resources,” he said. “As new information is released about the virus, treatment plan, and precautions, each frontline worker must prioritize personal safety as the most essential.”

He said even with all precautions taken, however, there are still risks with the virus, for both him and his family. He said his faith has allowed him the mental clarity, drive and hope to continue to provide exceptional care and provide for his family.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” he said. “Thus, I must stand strong in my faith that I will remain healthy and well, so I can continue to work and provide for my family.”

Compassionate care amid difficult times

Workload for nurses has certainly increased amid the pandemic. Fisenko said with the stress of the system and added stress by unhealthy individuals that otherwise would find themselves well, sometimes come unhappy patients.

He said he can add positivity to an otherwise undesirable situation through being compassionate and thorough in delivery of care, as well as with a positive attitude with those he serves and works with.

“When a patient arrives to the emergency department in critical condition, I realize it is my duty and desire to help and support the patient in the best way I know,” he said. “With the caring leadership of emergency doctors and compassionate nurses, I believe the patient is receiving the best care during their stay. Educating my patients about their health and care brings me joy and fulfillment. I want to give power of information and understanding to each patient, so when they go home, they know how to get better and continue to stay healthy.”

Plans post-COVID

Post-COVID-19, Fisenko said he still hopes to use his skill in medical care and background in faith outside of the regional Tri-Cities community. He also continues to grow his knowledge for wherever life may take him.

In addition to his fluency in Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian, he is working on adding American Sign Language to the list, which he hopes to apply locally and wherever his role may take him states-side.

“I pray that God blesses me with an opportunity to go on a mission to serve people spiritually and medically,” he said. “My desire is to go to Spanish speaking countries where I could l utilize my language skills. I also want to serve the deaf and hard of hearing communities.”

New agreement helps students save on costs

By Maegan Murray, ���سԹ�

RICHLAND, Wash. – Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities signed a new agreement on Monday, Nov. 16, that creates a seamless pathway for students to complete their first two years at CBC and transfer to ���سԹ�, which saves students costs.

Students significantly save on costs, as students in the program do not pay for the transfer application to attend ���سԹ�, do not pay for the cost of their transcripts to transfer, and tuition is also frozen from their first semester enrolled at ���سԹ�. In other words, if tuition rates increase anytime while enrolled at ���سԹ�, students continue to pay the tuition rate from their first semester at ���سԹ�.

Students also benefit from one-on-one support throughout their educational journey from both CBC and ���سԹ� from their first term in the program. They work directly with academic advisors from both institutions to solidify complete programs of study. This helps to ensure that students complete their degree programs on-time and reduce the likelihood of taking courses unnecessarily that won’t directly transfer.

Close partnership a win for all students

���سԹ� Chancellor Sandra Haynes said she is excited to sign a new agreement with CBC, as it helps reduce the complications and cost to students who wish to first attend a community college and then transfer to a four-year university.

“Our two institutions work together to create seamless pathways so that students can get the most out of their educational experience and graduate on-track,��on-time and career-ready,” she said. “With ���سԹ� serving freshman, transfer, first-generation, low-income and non-traditional students, we are opening more doors to meet students where they are,��today.”

Woods said CBC is also excited to strengthen its partnership with ���سԹ�.

“Many of CBC’s graduates choose to become Cougs, while staying right here in the Tri-Cities,” she said. “This agreement smooths that transition. Whether a student chooses to pursue a four-year degree at CBC, ���سԹ�, or any other institution, we are committed to helping each student find their best path forward.”

Students see direct benefits

Dawn Hughes, a current ���سԹ� education student and alumna of Columbia Basin College, said transferring from CBC to ���سԹ� provided a great local and affordable option that was a best fit for both her and her family.

“I moved to Tri-Cities in 2006 and was raising a family,” she said. “When I decided to go back to school, it fit our budget and our busy schedule. It was also convenient because I could take classes in-person, locally.”

Hughes said she received tremendous support from both her instructors at CBC and ���سԹ�. When she started school, her sister was diagnosed with cancer. She served as her sister’s bone marrow transplant and was going to have to miss some school.

“My professors were so supportive through that,” she said. “Professors from both programs are that way. They want you to succeed.”

Apply to Bridges

Applications are open now for the Bridges Program. For more information and to apply, visit tricities.wsu.edu/bridges. To qualify for the Bridges Program, students must apply in their first year at CBC and complete the “Declaration of Intent” form. Have questions or want to meet with someone about your options? Email tricities.bridges@wsu.edu.

For more information about CBC, visit . For more information about ���سԹ�, visit tricities.wsu.edu.

By Maegan Murray, WSU��Tri‑Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri‑Cities will now offer in-state tuition rates to students in Umatilla County,��Oregon, through a new program called the “I‑82��Advantage.”

“With our proximity to��Oregon, just across the Columbia River, it only makes sense to provide greater access to an excellent university education in such close proximity,” WSU��Tri‑Cities Chancellor Sandra��Haynes��said. “This program applies to all prospective students who reside in Umatilla County.”

The program will save residents from Umatilla County thousands in tuition costs. By paying in‑state rates, tuition will cost $11,144 per year, compared to the $26,087 that an out-of-state student would pay for non‑resident tuition.

Those interested in attending WSU��Tri‑Cities for spring��2021 are encouraged to apply by Nov.��15. Individuals interested in attending WSU��Tri‑Cities in fall��2021 are encouraged apply by Jan.��31.

Applications can be completed online at��.��After completing the application for admission, prospective students from Umatilla County should complete the WSU��Tri‑Cities I‑82��Advantage application to qualify for in‑state tuition rates.��Apply for the I‑82��Advantage program at��.

Students applying to WSU��Tri‑Cities should also make sure to complete the WSU��Tri‑Cities scholarship application by Jan.��31 at��.

For more information about the I‑82��Advantage program, visit��tricities.wsu.edu/admissions/i82advantage.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this cost-saving option for local students in Umatilla County,��Oregon,”��Haynes said. “We continually try to identify ways where we can meet students where they are. The COVID‑19 pandemic presents additional financial challenges for many local families. We do not want it to prevent students from achieving their dream of attending college that will help in setting them up for success for their future.”

WSU��Tri‑Cities will also continue to offer what is known as the Border��Bill program. The State of Washington’s Border��Bill allows��Oregon residents��who live in specified counties, or who have recently moved to Washington from those counties, to attend WSU��Tri‑Cities��part‑time (8��credits or less per��semester) and pay resident tuition rates. The specific Oregon counties whose residents are eligible for this benefit are: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Gilliam, Hood��River, Morrow, Multnomah, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Washington. The application to apply for that program is located at��tricities.wsu.edu/finaid/tuition-waivers.

For those with concerns about COVID‑19 and returning for any in‑person learning, all WSU��Tri‑Cities classrooms are now equipped to offer virtual instruction, regardless of whether a class is offered in‑person or virtually.

ACT and SAT��scores are also not being used as a factor for admissions decisions through spring semester��2022.

For more information about WSU��Tri‑Cities, visit��.

 

Media contacts:��

Maegan Murray, ���سԹ� assistant director of marketing and communication, 619-403-3617 (cell),��maegan_murray@wsu.edu

By Maegan Murray, WSU��Tri‑Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – In light of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order by Gov. Jay Inslee, as well as K-12 schools not returning to in-person learning throughout the state, Washington State University Tri-Cities launched a new website dedicated to educational children’s activities and a new reading program where kids virtually read along with ���سԹ� faculty and can earn WSU prizes.

The��website��features a variety of do-it-at-home activities ranging from those that pertain to WSU and Coug spirit, such as creating your own Butch T. Cougar mask, to science experiments and other fun activities using supplies that most families likely already have and use in their home.

Additionally, through the new “Super Coug Readers” program in partnership with The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia, children can watch videos of ���سԹ� faculty reading their favorite books. Children can also earn prizes for completing a Super Coug Readers reading calendar and/or completing a “Super Coug Readers Bingo” challenge.

The project is being led by the ���سԹ� community engagement team in partnership with the ���سԹ� College of Education and The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia.

“As a public university, we saw an opportunity to provide children and their families with fun and educational activities that are safe and readily available to complete in their own homes, especially during this unusual time,” said Jaime Heppler, ���سԹ� executive director of advancement and community engagement. “Many parents, such as myself, are looking for engaging activities for their kids. This new website and reading program provide activities that foster learning and curiosity. We are excited to offer this as a resource for our regional families.”

Benefits of reading aloud with your kids

Elizabeth Barnes, executive director of The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia, said children who read for at least 20 minutes per day score in the 90^th��percentile in standardized tests, are successful in school, are more likely to graduate from college and become successful in life.

“The skills and knowledge you gain from reading or being read to from birth are astronomical,” she said. “This is a very natural partnership for The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia and ���سԹ�, as both organizations are trying to better the community through education.”

Barnes said children reading along with ���سԹ� faculty presents a great way for children to be exposed to different educational opportunities and careers that are available in the regional Tri-Cities community.

“What kind of impact could an engineering professor have on a young girl and her parents if they were to hear ‘Rosie Revere, Engineer,’ for the first time?” she said. “What kind of connections to the real world could this have on a family that may never have contemplated a life for their daughter in the sciences?”

Reading with industry experts – ���سԹ� faculty

Sara Sorensen Petersen, a ���سԹ� clinical assistant professor of education and board member with the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia, said she and her fellow faculty members are excited to provide educational opportunities for regional students to learn from faculty members in a range of fields and from a range of backgrounds and cultures.

“Speaking as a mom and an educator, it is great for kids to see others than mom and dad reading, as well as see professionals in their communities and learn a bit more about what they do,” she said. “We have female science professors, for example, that could inspire young girls to think about a career in the sciences. It’s just a great tie-in and presents a great opportunity for our local families.”

A free resource for families

The new Cougar Family Fun website��is available for free and accessible to the public.

Additionally, The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia is supplying ���سԹ� with an assortment of children’s books that will be given out at the ���سԹ� Cougar Cupboard sponsored by Lamb Weston food pantry, in addition to food pick-up locations in Pasco and Kennewick for ���سԹ� students and their families.����on pick-up locations and how to donate can be found online.

 

Media Contacts:

Jaime Heppler, ���سԹ� executive director of advancement and community engagement, 509-372-7207, jaime.heppler@wsu.edu

Sara Sorensen Petersen, ���سԹ� clinical assistant professor of education, 509-372-7395, sarapetersen@wsu.edu

Maegan Murray, ���سԹ� public relations/communication coordinator, 509-372-7333, maegan_murray@wsu.edu

By Maegan Murray, ���سԹ�

RICHLAND, Wash. – More than 400 blood drives have been canceled across Washington and Oregon amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many are due to schools going online and closing their physical doors, of which make up 20 percent of all blood drives in the United States. Others are due to businesses having to close their doors. That is why student leaders at Washington State University Tri-Cities and university administration pushed to still hold the drive that would help stabilize blood supply for individuals suffering from cancer, health conditions, serious accidents and more.

“While individuals may not be receiving blood for the coronavirus, because of the pandemic, many are canceling their blood drives, which has led to a massive shortage,” said Shana Loomis, account manager with the American Red Cross. “Blood has a short shelf life and requires a constant supply. Every two seconds, someone in the United States is receiving a blood product.”

Categorized as an essential operation, ���سԹ� and the Associated Students of ���سԹ� held the blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross while still following strict social distancing and best practice health and safety measures.

“We felt that it was something important for us to do,” said Robin Kovis, student body president-elect for the Associated Students of ���سԹ�. “Right now, we are experiencing a global pandemic and blood is in large need – even more than usual. Blood has a very short shelf life and a lot of people need it. It is important for people, who are willing and able, to give blood.”

Loomis said WSU really paved the way for showing that blood drives were not only important amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but that it is possible to hold them safely while still maintaining best health and safety practices and social distancing.

“I am grateful to WSU For continuing with the blood drive, as well as their efforts to get the word out to the community,” she said. “Phones were ringing off the hook once the promotion for the drive went out. It shows that organizations can still help to maintain the nation’s blood supply and the health and safety of community members.”

Every time slot for donations were filled Friday by ���سԹ� campus members, community members and those wanting to make an immediate difference amid the pandemic.

Tiffany Jones, a Tri-Cities resident and parent of a former ���سԹ� running start student, said she wanted to contribute something tangible amid COVID-19.

“I think that a lot of people are feeling pretty helpless,” she said. “It is something I could do. My son is able to do it, too, so he wanted to come along. It doesn’t seem like much, but it feels good to give back, even in a small way.”

Her son, Corbyn Jones, gave blood for the first time on Friday.

“It just felt right giving back to my local community,” he said.

Ellie Barber, a ���سԹ� senior psychology major, said she came out to give blood as a healthy able-bodied person, especially given the shortage. She said she heard about the blood drive via an email from ���سԹ�.

“I think it is really important for providing students with access to these situations because not every student knows where the blood donation centers are in Richland or wherever they are from,” she said. “For students, it is better access. I’ve always had a positive experience donating with the Red Cross and I would encourage everybody to donate if they can and if they are healthy.”

���سԹ� administration worked closely with the American Red Cross to identify safety measures that would work best for protecting individuals amid the pandemic. All participants’ temperatures were taken at the door, they were each given a personal vial of hand sanitizer and were instructed to maintain at least six feet apart from other participants at all times. After donating, all stations were sanitized. Those wanting to sign up for drop-ins appointments could also do so at the door, one at a time – their phone numbers were taken on a sign-up sheet and they were called if there was a no-show appointment.

“We are very grateful to WSU for still holding this blood drive,” Loomis said. “When we were having massive amounts of cancelations throughout the Tri-Cities, WSU really stepped up and asked the question of ‘How can we still hold this blood drive and maintain safety?’ They paved the way for other folks in the Tri-Cities to know that they can still hold these blood drives and do so safely.”

Loomis said there will be a need for blood donations for not only weeks, but months.

“It will continue well through the summer,” she said. “We encourage people to donate, if they are healthy and able to do so.”

To find a local donation location and for more information, visit .

By Addy Hatch, WSU College of Nursing

The WSU College of Nursing will offer new scholarships for undergraduate nursing students in Yakima and the Tri-Cities, thanks to a $100,000 gift from Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association.

The scholarships will support low-to-moderate income nursing students who intend to pursue their nursing careers in Yakima and the Tri-Cities. Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is endowing two scholarship funds with $50,000 each, one intended for Yakima students and the other for students in the Tri-Cities.

The WSU College of Nursing’s Yakima program opened in 1982, and has about 100 undergraduate students working toward their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program is located on the campus of Yakima Valley Community College. The nursing program at ���سԹ�, established in 1990, has about 75 undergraduate students; the program also offers graduate degrees.

“We’re grateful to Yakima Federal Savings and Loan for this support of our nursing programs in Central Washington,” said Mel Haberman, Interim Dean of the WSU College of Nursing. “Yakima, Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla counties are all designated health professional shortage areas. Support for students with demonstrated financial need will help us attract and retain students who want to serve that region.”

“Yakima Federal is pleased to partner with the WSU College of Nursing in providing scholarships benefiting area nursing students, which will in turn increase the number of healthcare providers in our community for generations to come,” said Leanne Antonio, president and CEO of Yakima Federal.

The WSU College of Nursing is celebrating its 50^th��anniversary this year. The college has five locations statewide and about 10,0000 alumni. The college was named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education in 2017 by the National League for Nursing.

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan has been serving Central Washington since 1905 and has 10 branches throughout the region.

By Maegan Murray, ���سԹ�

RICHLAND, Wash. – From her first semester in the Washington State University Tri-Cities nursing program, Kenzie McNeel knew she wanted to do something special with her senior clinical rotation experience.

Shortly after transferring from another university in Washington state, she learned of the opportunity to complete her senior clinical experience in remote villages in Peru via a faculty-led program over the summer. There, she would work with other nursing and pharmacy students across the WSU university system to provide care to individuals that may otherwise not have access to medical resources.

The WSU College of Nursing partners with a nonprofit organization known as the “People of Peru Project” each summer for the opportunity, which is run by Paul Opp, from Washington state.

“I have been planning for it since that first semester,” McNeel said. “I knew it would provide experiences that would help prepare me for a future career as a nurse, but it would also allow me to provide much needed services to remote communities that, without volunteers, otherwise may not see that care. ”

Applying skills from the classroom to the real-world

McNeel was one of three students from ���سԹ� to attend the faculty-led trip, with the others being Nikita Fisenko and Sarah Miller, who joined several nursing students from WSU Spokane.

The soon-to-be nurses learned on the fly, providing immediate medical care to patients, medical education, observed how medical care was performed at a residence housing HIV patients, completed medical tests and performed community assessments where they identified resources available for individuals in that community and what could be added.

As a team, they bonded with each other as students and future nurses. McNeel said she enjoyed getting to know students from throughout the WSU system that she had only interacted with through remote classes via video conferencing.

The students also learned a lot about how to survive under difficult circumstances.

Adaptability, McNeel said, was one of the greatest things she personally learned. Often times, the students were in a tented shelter without walls or windows, had to carry in all of their supplies and had to cope with only having certain amount of medications, tools and time to help all of their patients for the day. The group could see an average of 100-150 patients in a single day.

“Often times, we didn’t know what we were going to be doing that day, or even much about the community we were going to, but we had to use our skills to the best of our ability to provide the best medical care possible,” she said. “These communities didn’t have the luxuries of medical access like we do here in the United States.”

Experiencing the culture and living of Peru

In addition to applying their medical skills to help individuals in the remote communities, the students also had the opportunity to learn more about the culture, ways of life and complete sight seeing excursions while in Peru.

The students toured local nursing schools, a local hospital, a special needs school and a deaf school. They went on nature walks through the jungle where they saw spiders the size of their faces, swam in the Amazon River, stopped in a monkey sanctuary and visited Machu Picchu. And they had the opportunity to chat with locals about their experiences in their community and handed out toys to the local children.

“I honestly never thought I would have this experience growing up, and especially as a nursing student,” she said.�� “It was truly incredible.”

Using what she learned abroad for future as a nurse

Heading into the future, McNeel hopes to go into labor and delivery where she looks forward to bringing new life into the world.

And while she and her fellow nursing students did not get to witness any births while in Peru, they supplied prenatal and breastfeeding education. McNeel said she will also continue to use the foundational skills she learned and cultivated during her time in South America.

“Here, things go more according to plan and we have the tools to really support patients, but I have the confidence now to know that I can face those complications head on,” she said.

She said she also hopes to one day return to Peru to continue helping with the project, even on a short-term basis.

“While we were there, there was a nurse volunteering that did the program through WSU Spokane – she was there for 6 weeks,” she said. “I want to do that, as well … I definitely recommend this experience to other students who are pursuing a career in nursing. It was an amazing experience.”