Student group recognized for community outreach
Congratulations to the student organization NEOMED Alliance for Disability Inclusion and Advocacy (NADIA), which has been recognized with the Best Community Outreach Program Award by Medical Students with Disability and Chronic Illness (MSDCI).
MSDCI is a national organization that provides advocacy, mentorship, education and community building for medical students to improve health care for the disabled community.
The award honors the MSDCI chapter that has implemented an effective community outreach program, such as public health campaigns, volunteer work or collaborations with local health care providers, focusing on disability and chronic illness education and support.
“It is an honor to be selected amongst other chapters who are also doing incredible work,” said NADIA founder Lauren Falcon, a third-year student in the College of Medicine. “We are elated to be recognized for our dedication towards bringing positive change. It means a great deal to all of us who saw a need in our community and decided to act on it. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to have partnered with many passionate individuals who believed in our mission wholeheartedly.”
Since launching in 2023, NADIA has provided programming in collaboration with Dancing Wheels, the Special Olympics in Portage County, the Akron Blind Center and others to raise awareness among future health professionals of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
“This award not only celebrated our collective achievements, but we hope it will inspire other students to continue our work towards an inclusive and equitable society for those with disabilities,” Falcon said.
Congratulations!