Aggie Care works to improve student health
By helping other people, Aggie Care Director Scott Hill said he believes students really help themselves.
“Helping other people can make you feel a lot better about yourself,” said Hill, senior majoring in exercise science. “It can help you get outside your own little bubble and look to others.”
Hill is the 2008-2009 director of Aggie Care, a student service club that is open to all students, regardless of major.
“Aggie Care is a health-based service organization that focuses primarily on health screenings and educating people about health related issues facing the community,” Hill said.
AggieCare is a great opportunity for health conscience students to get involved and serve others in a hands on way in their own community, Hill said.
He said the club helps with clinical screenings and trainings, health fairs and at hospitals in Cache Valley.
Hill said Aggie Care began last year and has grown to about 55 members.
Last year, the club volunteered for the Friends for Sight program, a non-profit organization that gives free glaucoma screenings in Salt Lake City, Hill said. He said Aggie Care members completed the training and actually gave the screenings.
“They found 12 people at risk of glaucoma (when giving the screenings) last year,” Hill said.
Hill said Aggie Care members also did CPR training and instructor certification last year.
As the club continues to grow, Hill said he hopes to increase the clubs involvement in Cache Valley and with other clubs.
“I want to increase the scope and range of involvement. Both increase the number of students that can volunteer, and coordinate to help with other clubs in the Service Center,” said Hill.
Hill said he also hopes to explore options for Aggie Care members to participate in a week-long humanitarian service project during spring break, either through Hope Alliance or Charity Anywhere.
Last spring break, Hill said he volunteered in Mexico through Charity Anywhere with USU’s Dental Club for about $400, including travel. Hill said it was a lot of hard work, but that it was an amazing experience.
“It was honestly the best spring break I’ve ever been on,” Hill said. “We worked hard, we pulled over 100 teeth, and got to play hard at the beach at night.”
If students are interested in joining the Aggie Care, Hill said to stop by the Val R. Christensen Service Center on the third floor of the TSC, or contact him directly via e-mail at scottroberthill@gmail.com.
Hill said he really encourages students to get involved on campus, especially in the Service Center.
“Get involved in the Service Center. There’s over 17 different clubs students can be involved with,” Hill said.
Being involved in organizations on and around campus has really made a difference to his college experience, he said.
“Throughout my college career I’ve found that when I’m involved with the school,” he said, “it makes the experience a lot better.”
–karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu