Giving Back: How Duke PA Students Support Their Community During Their First Year
The Class of 2027 has been busy giving back to their community, bringing the service they started last semester into the new one. They have put the Duke PA mission and values into practice by strengthening our community partners and emphasizing the importance of advocacy and service.
Let’s take a look back at a few highlights from their community building efforts and how they continue to make a lasting impact in Durham.
Highlights from last semester:
DPAP Doubles Pickleball Tournament
In November, Stead Society hosted a pickleball tournament where students brought out their paddles for a fun match. The tournament raised funds for the Miracle League of the Triangle, an organization that creates positive life experiences for children and adults with special needs through baseball. Faculty, staff, and students all came to support by refereeing and spectating.
Friendsgiving Potluck
With Thanksgiving's approach, students decided to take a relaxing break from studying and gathered together for a potluck dinner. They brought either their favorite dishes, a dish from their culture, or nonperishable food donations to share. The proceeds were donated to the NC Food Bank.
DPAP x Red Cross Blood Drive
Students hosted a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. Many students, staff and faculty, participated by donating blood and supporting the event.
This Semester:
Seeds Gardening Volunteer
Students have partnered with South Eastern Efforts Developing Sustainable Spaces (SEEDS) Community Garden. “SEEDS is a two-acre urban garden and kitchen classroom in the heart of Durham. SEEDS develops the capacity of young people to respect life, the earth, and each other through growing, cooking, and sharing food.” On Tuesdays from 12:30–1:30, students help with weeding, planting, making beds, harvesting, and doing general garden cleanup.
Medicine in Motion
Medicine in Motion is an organization with a mission to “address medical burnout through fitness, interdisciplinary community building, and philanthropy.” The Duke Med in Motion chapter brings together health professionals across Duke, including MD, DPT, OTD, PA, Pathologist Assistant, nursing students and more. Stead Society (our student-led committee) will be partnering with Med in Motion to host a charity fun run supporting Bull City Fit, a local community wellness program that helps to treat childhood obesity, bringing students together through fitness.
Strong Roots - NC Farmworker Institute
Students will be attending the NC Farmworker Institute (NC FWI), an annual gathering of agencies, organizations, and advocates dedicated to improving the lives of farmworkers and their families. The event highlights NC FWI’s 20th anniversary theme, “Strong Roots,” which reflects the long-standing partnerships and continued advocacy supporting these communities. During this conference, DPAP students will learn skills and participate in workshops, presentations focused on advocacy and collaboration. These experiences will help them expand their knowledge for future sustainable community efforts.
More to come
With many more blood drives, charity 5K runs, community outreach, and sustainability collaborations, this highlights only a very small portion of what Class of 2027 students are doing. We here at DPAP are proud and love to see the impact they are making. Amid their busy schedules, long classes, and exams, students still find the importance of giving back.
Check out our student Instagram page to keep up with DPAP students and their community engagement!