Participating in the (MAPS) has given Junior DeSouza a new perspective on the healthcare disparities in underserved populations in the community.
DeSouza, a CU-Boulder student majoring in , is vice president of the student organization and coordinates volunteer projects for student members of MAPS. One of their current projects is volunteering at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. The students help make healthy meals for the homeless adults served by the shelter.
鈥淚 now realize that not everyone has access to certain things,鈥� he said. 鈥淟ike flu shots. For some people, a flu shot is completely out of the question financially. For me, I know I can get a flu shot if I want one. That decision is up to me.鈥�
Now in its third year on campus, MAPS is a pre-health organization for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. MAPS is open to all students at CU-Boulder regardless of their ethnicity.
MAPS offers academic resources, leadership development and opportunities to serve in the community. Healthcare professionals come to campus to give talks to the students providing them with information about specific professions and the educational requirements.
Students have also been giving presentations to Boulder area high schools and middle schools about career options.
鈥淚nitially I didn鈥檛 where I wanted to go in healthcare,鈥� said DeSouza, who plans to attend medical school. 鈥淭his group showed me an array of different professions and helped me narrow down what I wanted to do.鈥�
A health fair is being planned for April 2, 1 to 5 p.m. in the Aspen Rooms at the University Memorial Center. It鈥檚 open to all CU-Boulder students, faculty and staff. A number of tests and screenings will be provided at no cost, including bone density scans, pulmonary function, height, weight and blood pressure. Free massage therapy will also be given.
Finger stick blood testing will be available for the first 30 people who come to the fair (please fast for 12 hours prior if you would like blood work done). The blood test will check cholesterol, blood sugar and liver functioning.
The health fair is being sponsored by MAPS, SASC and FIRMC. Learn more about the group on the MAPS facebook page 听at or by email at maps@colorado.edu.