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Health honor society raises funds for ebola crisis

By Fredanna MacCormack McGough

The main project for the Health Promotion Honor Society Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) this past Spring 2015 was to raise awareness and funds to address the Ebola crisis that has plagued Sierra Leone since May 2014. Three countries were most affected (Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia). As we moved into 2015, we saw the numbers begin to dwindle, and we saw Liberia become ebola free, and Sierra Leone reduced its numbers daily. Unfortunately, in Liberia, two fresh cases were identified.

The ebola crisis really exposed the poor health structures of these impoverished nations and put people’s ability to get health care at risk. The fragile health systems were further weakened by the ebola crisis, and the small clinics continued to struggle.

Therefore, understanding that there is a ripple effect of this issue as the countries hope to recover, Eta Sigma Gamma decided to support small clinics and orphans of the ebola crisis by creating a donations drive and raising funds.

Members of the Coastal Carolina University family really helped support the humanitarian efforts.

ESG sponsored the End Ebola Now Concert that featured Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars.

The following individuals and groups deserve credit in raising the funds and supplies.

College of Science and Department of Health Sciences
The CCU Athletic Department and its families raised funds and provided donations under the leadership of Christine Toner and Karoline Baldus
CCU Football Team, Basketball Team and Baseball Team items for raffles
Multicultural Students Services
Student Health Services
Student Activities
Office of International Programs and Services
Professor Terry Booth (Horry Georgetown Technical College)
Community members
Michael McGough (my husband)
Also, Terri DeCenzo helped with getting the word out, and both she and CCU President David DeCenzo helped to support the concert.

More than $2,000 was raised that will help support programs from different sources. Also, seven barrels of medical items will be going to social workers in Sierra Leone.
 

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