Community partners are helping Peninsula College Medical Assisting students weather cost-of-living increases and experience the healthcare profession outside the classroom by providing donations, fundraising opportunities, and student sponsorships.
Rachel Pairsh, director of PC’s Medical Assisting, Medical Office Assisting, and Phlebotomy programs, said the Olympic Medical Center (OMC) Foundation, Northwest Eye Surgeons, and Peninsula Behavioral Health have provided funds for student expenses and made significant equipment donations.
The OMC Foundation’s annual Duck Derby provides perennial funds to meet program needs.
“For several years now, the OMC Foundation has donated 100% of our Duck Derby ticket sales back to us,” Pairsh said. “We use these funds to reimburse students for their credentialing expenses, which can total as much as $600 per student.” This year, Pairsh plans to use the funds to also offset the cost of uniforms, stethoscopes, and other required materials that are not traditionally covered by financial aid.
The “Meduckal Assistants,” PC’s medical assisting team, will sell Duck Derby tickets later this week to raise money for next year’s students.
In February, the OMC Foundation invited students and staff from Pairsh’s programs to attend the OMC Foundation’s “Red, Set, Go” luncheon in Port Angeles: a value of $900, and an opportunity to meet healthcare professionals.
Northwest Eye Surgeons donated medical equipment, with an estimated value of $14,700, to the Medical Assisting program. Because the program already had much of this equipment, $12,000 of equipment was passed on to Port Angeles High School and Crescent School District healthcare programs.
Peninsula Behavioral Health has also donated consumable supplies to the program, including needles for administering medication.
“They have done this several times now, with the most recent donation totaling $225,” said Pairsh. “And, for the first time this year, Peninsula Behavioral Health will host PC Medical Assisting students for their practicum, which is very exciting.”
For more information contact Rachel Pairsh at rpairsh@pencol.edu.