Community service has been a major focus for Heart of the Piedmont. As a chapter we are truly passionate about serving others and seek to incorporate AACN's Mission, Vision and Values into our community service.
Each year we adopt two needy families and supply food and gifts to each member of the family. This year we experienced a unique event as one of our adopted families was under the threat of eviction. We came together as a chapter and decided to supply the rent and gifts for the children and parents.
Habitat for Humanity was a major project for the year, and our chapter members participated in building a home for a needy family. Another chapter activity was a Community Health Fair. This was an excellent opportunity for the community to meet critical care nurses and to interact with them in a compassionate and educational forum.
Other activities have included a local event to promote awareness of heart disease, administering flu vaccines to a church in need and providing AED training to a local church. Additionally, we host an annual food and blood drive. One year ago, we were part of the Charlestowne Challenge and sponsored a New Orleans nurse to attend NTI. During that time we held a food and necessity drive for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Reaching out to students is an important opportunity for our chapter to serve the community. Last year we attended a vocational fair for high school students and educated students about critical care nursing. Our chapter was also asked to speak on professionalism to a group of nursing students.
Heart of the Piedmont Chapter strongly believes in serving our community and promoting awareness of critical care nursing.
