A group of WSU medical students volunteered their time to make sure emergency warming centers were available and safe during the recent dangerously cold weather.
The students—many of whom are members of WSU’s Harm Reduction Action Team and the Health Equity Circle—helped setup and staff shelter spaces. They worked with local non-profits Compassion Addiction Treatment and Jewels Helping Hands to open temporary spaces across Spokane. Their work included setting up sleeping spaces, collecting and distributing food, and visiting with shelter guests.
Though these were non-medical volunteer roles, students interested in harm reduction took the opportunity to serve those in need and get to know some of the service organizations working in our communities.