FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 15, 2008
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124

Area high school students participate in Allied Health Day at MUW

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Area high school students witnessed a man have an
asthma attack in the classroom at Mississippi University for Women on
Friday. Fortunately, it was only a scenario being played out by nursing
students participating in an Allied Health Day event.

About 100 students from Columbus, Lowndes, Amory and Tupelo high
schools were given a glimpse of MUW’s nursing, speech-language
pathology, health and kinesiology, science and mathematics and culinary
programs. The schools rotated through each program in 25 minute
periods.

Dr. Sheila Adams, dean of the College of Nursing and Speech-Language
Pathology, said, “We want them to know about the different programs
offered here at MUW. We want them to see our academic buildings and
quality of learning environment and help them make right career
choices.”

As part of their presentation, MUW students in the Bachelor of Science
in Nursing program worked with the SimMan—a patient simulator that can
be programmed for different medical conditions.

The SimMan was programmed to simulate a patient with an acute asthma
attack.

Nursing student Kaylee Patterson of Saltillo said, “We use him to practice starting catheters or IVs. You can feel his pulse. It’s very realistic.”

After their first rotation, seniors from Tupelo High School said they were impressed with the demonstration.

Alex Blasingame, who plans to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon,
said, “It’s pretty interesting. It definitely held my attention.”

Halbert Sadler added, “I liked that. It was very realistic.” He plans to become a physical therapist.

On the other side of campus, Columbus High School students were given
an overview of the culinary program by Amanda Dahl, assistant professor
of nutrition. Dahl’s presentation focused on nutrition and wellness.

Columbus High senior Kelly Matthews said, “I’m learning more about the college classes I need to take.” Matthews said she was interested in nursing.

Teachers accompanying the students said their pupils were gaining firsthand information.

Melanie Ford, who teaches at McKellar Vocational Technical Center, said, “I think it’s a value to my students to hear from the college perspective. It makes a big difference and boosts their self esteem to know they are sought after.”

Cathy Kemp, director at McKellar, said she was thrilled about the partnership. “We want them (students) to come here.”