The American Medical Student Association’s chapter at the University of North Georgia has been working to collect funds for Good News Clinics in Gainesville throughout the month of February.
Good News Clinics is a Christian-based organization that provides free health and dental care to uninsured, low-income residents in Hall County. The clinic is a United Way of Hall County non-profit agency, which means the center receives no federal or local government funding.
The AMSA has been holding bake sales every Wednesday of the month on UNG’s Gainesville campus to help fund the organization’s mission. The club’s president and a senior studying biology and chemistry at UNG, Sebastian Scheid-Rivera, said the club’s goal is to raise at least $1,000 by the end of the month. The club was able to raise $500 after the first two sales.
“We chose to do this because we were inspired by Good News Clinics’ mission, and we wanted to raise funds to help them continue to care for the ones who need it most in our community. Unfortunately, not everyone has equal access to basic healthcare, and being in the position to help, we decided to take action. We hope this has a long-term positive impact on GNC by connecting them to prospective volunteers and inspires others to be active in their communities.” – Sebastian Scheid-Rivera, UNG American Medical Student Association president
The AMSA holds the weekly bake sales from 12 – 1 p.m. outside of the UNG Gainesville science building. However, the club’s efforts to support the clinics does not stop there. Members have also placed several collection bins around the Gainesville campus to gather canned food and toiletries, as the clinic also distributes those resources throughout the community.
The club will hold two more bake sales during the fundraiser on Feb. 19 and 26.
“I’m very proud of what my fellow officers and I have accomplished in our three semesters at the club,” Scheid-Rivera said. “Being a part of this club has connected me with people with similar ambitions and allowed me to make many new friends. I’m thankful that I pursued the position I have now and to be doing what we’re doing for Good News Clinics. It truly makes me feel like I’m making an impact.
The AMSA is a club for pre-medical and pre-healthcare students. The association aims to create a community for underclassmen looking to apply to medical school or related programs.
To learn more about Good News Clinics and their resources, click here.
