IN TOUCH

Walking the walk

by Chris G. Alumbaugh

Chris Alumbaugh and her “Walk the Walk” poster.

If you were standing in line for the cash bar outside the regional receptions at the 39th Biennial Convention of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, you probably noticed a large pink poster announcing the very successful global health initiative that was carried out by chapters in Region 3. Here’s how that initiative was accomplished.

Chapter members and leaders in Region 3—the states of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, as well as the nation of Taiwan—blazed a trail by taking to heart President Carol Picard’s call to action, “Vision to Action: Global Health Through Collaboration.” It was my inspiration for the Region 3 global initiative, “We Walk the Walk … and Make Our $$ Talk—Project C.U.R.E.” President Carol Huston’s call to action, “Leading Globally,” continues the path set by President Picard. Through contributions from our Region 3 chapters, we truly became “intentionally global … and [are] making a tangible and concrete impact on the health of the world’s people.”

In early 2007, as regional coordinators started making plans for the biennial convention in Baltimore, I struggled with the idea of asking chapters in my region to contribute to the customary regional reception. Although it makes a nice social event, I really didn’t think it was the best use of our chapters’ financial resources. I had also been trying to come up with a global health initiative for our region.

Things fell into place when Linda Campbell, president of Alpha Kappa Chapter-at-Large (Denver), mentioned that she was going with Project C.U.R.E. to Ethiopia. Headquartered in Brighton, Colorado, USA, Project C.U.R.E. develops partnerships with underdeveloped countries around the world. C.U.R.E. stands for Commission on Urgent Relief & Equipment, and the goal of the organization is to “identify, solicit, collect, sort and distribute medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world.” After I talked to staff members at Project C.U.R.E., I knew we had our service project! It was one of those truly heartfelt, “gut” feelings you get sometimes when you just know something is right.

From there, it was “full steam ahead.” I had learned that monetary contributions to Project C.U.R.E. could be used to purchase various sized shipments of surplus medical supplies and equipment, which would be delivered where needed around the world. The collaboration aspect was satisfied when I found our contribution could be earmarked for inclusion in a fundraising effort that Regis University in Denver was already conducting. Their goal was to raise $20,000 to fill a whole container—the largest shipment size—with medical equipment and supplies, worth $400,000 wholesale! I was sure that Region 3 chapter leaders would respond just as they did, with a resounding “Absolutely! We’d much rather use our money for that!”

Next, I developed the campaign’s theme: “Walk the Walk, and Make Our $$ Talk—Project C.U.R.E.” To publicize and explain our campaign at the convention in Baltimore, I designed a colorful ribbon with our theme, which hung from the “R3” buttons that members of Region 3 wore to identify themselves. I also designed a large poster, produced by a sign company, for display during convention receptions. It explained our campaign, how much money was raised, where it was donated, and listed names of contributors. Located by the cash bar, it had great visibility!

Twenty-one of our 26 chapters, including seven chapter leaders, contributed a total of $2,575 toward this exciting global health initiative. The generosity and effort of these Region 3 chapter members equates to more than $50,000 worth (wholesale value) of surplus medical supplies and equipment! They will be delivered to the Hossana Health Science College and Hospital in Yetebon, Ethiopia, and will be utilized by both the hospital and school of nursing.

It doesn’t take much of a stretch to imagine our pride and feelings of accomplishment for this philanthropic endeavor. I am delighted to be an honored guest and to represent the Region 3 chapter members and leaders at the “Project C.U.R.E. Ethiopia Container Fundraiser,” to be held at Regis University on March 31. I encourage you to dream big. Listen to your heart, and don’t let words such as “global” or “collaboration” scare you away from getting involved. By pooling our time, talents and creativity, we can all make a difference in our world—it’s the only one we’ve got.

Chris G. Alumbaugh, RN, BSN, BA, Region 3 coordinator of the honor society’s 2007-09 Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, manages and is the staff nurse/therapist for the Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) Clinic at the Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center in Topeka, Kansas, USA.