COM Outlook Winter 2021

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 43 In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country of Yemen has been dealing with another humanitarian catastrophe—the largest cholera outbreak in modern history. NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) classes of 2023 and 2024, led by me and the second-year class boards at both campus- es, came together to raise funds for the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation (YRRF). The initiative, which was brought to our attention by second-year student Heather Silverstein, class of 2023 programs chair at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus, aims to pro- vide relief for more than 24 million people lacking access to basic health care, sanitation, or clean water. This includes thousands of children in Yemen who are estimated to develop life-threatening malnutrition. To make matters worse, the current fatality rate in Yemen due to COVID-19 is five times the global average. “With the immense suffering going on, we knew we had to come together to help make a difference” Silverstein said. “I am so lucky to belong to a student body that was willing to get involved and raise awareness about the crisis.” To get things started, the second-year class boards contacted several nonprofit organiza- tions, built the foundation of the campaign, and mobilized the first- and second-year students. After weeks of planning, KPCOM students partnered with the YRRF to provide the people of Yemen with food baskets to prevent malnutrition and water filters to prevent cholera. Additionally, a portion of all funds raised were donated to Lebanon to provide relief following the massive explosion at the Port of Beirut on August 4, which killed hundreds of people, injured thousands more, and damaged many homes. The students used social media to spread awareness of the campaign, raising more than $12,500 within a week. Throughout the fundraising efforts, the second-year class boards hosted a society competition to see which Opposite page: Yemen citizens benefit from the distributed food packages. Top: The second-year Tampa Bay Regional Campus Executive Board also participated in the Yemen fundraising initiative. Pictured from left are Joel Davis, Jennifer Semaan, Kylie Dunn, Monica Sciturro, Nabila Rehman, and Owen Drozd. Above: Residents in Lebanon also received vital assistance in the wake of the deadly explosion that occurred at the Port of Beirut on August 4. “With the immense suffering going on, we knew we had to come together to help make a difference.” —Heather Silverstein