What’s happening at Augusta University: June 13-19

Story ideas include: Those with asthma get a chance to enjoy a camp environment, Pride Month activities include national authors discussing their books and a major donation will help future physicians who serve rural Georgia.

Asthma camp June 13-17

For the first time in two years, the College of Allied Health Sciences will be hosting Asthma Day camp June 13-17 at the Columbia County Girl Scout Camp Tanglewood. Each day will begin with an hour of asthma education as well as checking campers’ breathing with a peak flow meter. A number of other activities will also be held.

“A lot of parents are hesitant to let their kids with asthma participate in sports or go outdoors or even play outside, so the camp is designed to teach children how to manage their asthma, and at the same time, have a regular camp experience,” said Kitty Hernlen, director of the health services program.

June is LGBTQ Pride Month

In recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month, the Augusta University Writing Project, housed in the College of Education, is hosting its second annual Pride Month Author Series. Authors will discuss their books, the art of storytelling, the importance of literacy and the impact of children’s and young adult literature. The interactive virtual events are free and open to the public.

Upcoming speaker events include:

• June 14 — Trung le Nguyen, author of The Magic Fish, a story about a teenager who helps his mother learn English while struggling to tell her about his sexuality
• June 20 — Robyn Schneider, author of six young adult novels including The Other Merlin, The Beginning of Everything, and Extraordinary Means
• June 22 — Adib Khorram, author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay, the story of an Iranian American teenager with clinical depression

All events start at 7 p.m. and are hosted on Zoom.

More funding on the way for 3+ Primary Care Pathway

The Medical College of Georgia Foundation is providing $8.7 million to match a new state appropriation for a program aimed at increasing the number of primary care physicians for rural and underserved Georgia. The state is facing a growing physician crisis; Of Georgia’s 159 counties, eight have no physician and 11 have no family medicine physician.

“We are committed to serving the underserved,” said Ian Mercier, president and CEO of the MCG Foundation. “The foundation wants to make an impact both locally and statewide and we believe that investing in the 3+ Primary Care Pathway Program is one way to make that impact.”

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