Students Give Back to Their Community at Pre-Health Club Care Kit Event

Putting together nail clippers, matchboxes, alcohol prep pads, lip balm and more, students at the Pre-Health Club assembled care kits to be donated to the Vancouver Free Clinic on Thursday as part of the club’s recent care kit initiative.

For the students who volunteered, including those within and outside of the Pre-Health Club, it was a refreshing change of pace compared to most on-campus events.

“We actually get to do something fun and do something for the community, which was cool,” WSUV student Aiden said. “I didn’t know at first that we were making care packages, but I think it’s like… ‘most of the events we go to is just like, oh, you know, there’s food and you kind of listen’,” said Aidan. 

“Yeah, you just show up, and it feels like this [care kit event], actually makes you do stuff,” Another WSUV student, Elijah added, responding to Aidan’s comment. 

“It’s like a good indirect way of giving back to the community, especially during school hours,” said Jason, another WSUV student. 

“‘I feel useful’,” said Sarah, a WSUV student, in agreement with fellow students.

The care kit event reflects the broader mission of the WSUV Pre-Health Club, a student organization that supports those interested in healthcare careers while encouraging community involvement through volunteer-based events and hands-on learning opportunities.

“We’re going to donate it [Care Kits] to the Vancouver Free Clinic for people who need a few extra things to help out the community,” said Ashton Wagner, president of the WSUV Pre-Health Club. 

While the club has often been associated with students pursuing medical school, Wagner said the organization is working to expand its reach to a broader range of healthcare fields, including veterinarian, dental and pharmacy.

“I just want people to know it’s not just for medical students. The club is available to everyone who wants to give back and be involved with their community,” Wagner added.

Vice President Salazar commented that there are volunteering events aside from the healthcare clinical events, “A recent [volunteering] event was a blanket-making event where we made and donated blankets.”

In addition to events like the care kit initiative, the Pre-Health Club also participates in visits to surrounding public school districts, Battle Ground and VPS, where members introduce students to healthcare topics using anatomy and physiology models through their outreach program, and through Dr. Dale Fortin, to help students navigate what a potential undergraduate career path would look like. 

The organization also hosts skill-based events, such as suture clinic events, where students can learn clinical techniques and connect with healthcare professionals.

While students interested can join the Club through WSUV Involve, it is also recommended that they join the Discord after signing up for notifications of events and resources.

Vice President Alicia Salazar also commented, “You could also just go up to any officers and ask, or talk to Dr. Wilmington, and she’ll send us their emails, and we’ll help them sign up.”

Looking ahead, the club is preparing for additional programming, including an upcoming EMS-focused event that will feature emergency response vehicles and interactive learning stations for students. 

Leadership opportunities are also available, with officer applications open until April 17, elections taking place April 20–26, and final announcements set for April 27. 

Through events like this, WSUV students are not only exploring careers in healthcare but also finding meaningful ways to give back to their community.