We would like to acknowledge the University of Washington Bothell School of Nursing and Health Studies, under the leadership of Maureen West, PhD, RN. The Fall cohort participated in a Community and Public Health clinical rotation that focused on delivering health education and meeting the needs of women residing at the YWCA Angeline’s Center.
One of the students, Dawn Mello, MPH, BSN, RN, led an initiative to fundraise for new blankets, sheets, and pillows on behalf of the residents. Although Angeline’s routinely lists priority needs on its website, Ms. Mello envisioned a broader public health effort to provide clean, new bedding as a foundation for health and well-being. Her collaboration with community partners, including AirReps, helped address barriers associated with the social determinants of health that these women experience daily.
Ms. Mello also assessed the facility environment and identified several environmental health concerns affecting the residents. Through the strong support of AirReps, the cohort was able to meet the full need of more than 70 new bedding sets. Ms. Mello and her classmates wrapped each donation and delivered them with the assistance of Matt Adkins and Ziggy Zigler, one of AirReps’ most generous contributors.
The YWCA and the UW Bothell School of Nursing and Health Studies extend their sincere gratitude to AirReps for their partnership and generous support in achieving this important goal, and AirReps is thankful for the opportunity to give back this holiday season!