Stanbridge College Nursing and Therapy Students Volunteer at Free Medical Clinic

IRVINE, CA, April 05, 2013 (Press-News.org) Stanbridge College, a technical college that offers Masters, Bachelor and Associate of Science degrees and diploma programs in Allied Health and Information Technology, partnered with Lestonnac Free Clinic, Mariners Outreach and Lighthouse Ministries to host the Orange County Free Medical and Dental Clinic in Costa Mesa on March 23, 2013. The clinic provided medical, dental, pharmaceutical and physical therapy services to over 300 uninsured, homeless and recently unemployed people in Orange County. Stanbridge College raised over $7,000 to help sponsor the clinic and fund supplies and meals for the public and volunteers. Students and staff also volunteered their time to help provide medical assistance and distribution of food and meals at the clinic and with the Free Pantry Organization during the event.

"Our collaboration with Stanbridge College was a great help to our operations at the clinic," stated Ed Gerber, the Executive Director of Lestonnac Free Clinic. "Their students were very knowledgeable and needed little instruction as they helped with patient triage and recorded patient medical histories. Because of their support, we were able to take in and help more patients with our services."

Stephanie Chang, founder of the Free Pantry Organization, stated, "We are beyond grateful for all the volunteers and all the helping hands to make this event happen. We could not have combined all three events in one day and accomplished this task without the help of Stanbridge College."

As part of the award-winning Stanbridge College REACH - Beyond the Classroom community service initiative, nursing students from Stanbridge College assisted medical professionals, took vitals, and provided wound care to those in attendance. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students and instructors volunteered to provide physical therapy to those in need.

"My experience at the OC Medical Clinic was unforgettable," said Rebecca Noel, PTA student. "I was able to use my PTA skills that I have learned in the class with the actual patients. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stay all day. Seeing the patients happy and grateful made me very happy. I am so glad I volunteered. I would definitely do it again!"

Hoai Hoang, nursing student stated, "The clinic was very organized. I was stationed to take patient vital signs and document medical histories. I instantly recognized signs and symptoms of some of the patient's issues that we have studied in class. I would certainly volunteer again if I had the chance."

Julia Aguilar, nursing student said, "My experience at the clinic was pretty amazing. I know I have a smile on many faces. The feeling you get at the end of the day is like no other."

Through its commitment to community service, Stanbridge College has continually supported public health services in Orange County. Each year, the college has partnered with the Orange County Medical Reserve Corps (OCMRC) enabling its nursing students to assist at the bi-annual county-wide Disaster Preparedness exercises, an annual major incident hospital preparedness drill and Point of Distribution (POD) free flu shot epidemic prevention clinics. Stanbridge College has also partnered with the Free Wheelchair Mission, CHOC Children's Hospital and Doctor's Without Borders to help the needy.

In 2009 - 2013 Stanbridge College was named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

To learn more about the Vocational Nurse Diploma at Stanbridge College and its community service activities, please visit http://www.stanbridge.edu.

About Stanbridge College
Based in Irvine, CA, Stanbridge College is a co-educational, technical college with an annual enrollment of over 950 students. Founded in 1996, Stanbridge is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Stanbridge College offers Master, Bachelor and Associate of Science degrees and diploma programs in Allied Health and Information Technology.

Stanbridge has been named to the 2009 - 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. In 2009 - 2012, Stanbridge College received an award from Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc., as one of America's Best Technical Colleges. In 2008-2009 Stanbridge College was the recipient of the School of Excellence Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and since 2007 it has maintained one of the highest continuous pass rates in California on the NCLEX-PN nursing exam, with a 96% five year average pass rate. For more information, please visit http://www.stanbridge.edu or call (949) 794-9090.