“One of the biggest issues in the state of West Virginia is access to care. Access to care can mean different things other than the distance geographically, such as no insurance or limited insurance.” —Howard Gamble, MPH Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department
On a brisk February evening, Steve Auciello and more than a dozen of his fellow medical students gathered in a Charleston parking lot. Armed with bags of socks, underclothes, donated toiletries, and snack items, the group circled up for introductions, planned their route, and took off on foot to the Charleston Emergency Men’s Shelter a block away. A group of men standing outside the shelter door saw the group approaching and smiled in recognition. “I think this is outstanding,” said Minor Fisher, a homeless veteran. “This is something that should be done.” Fisher had his blood pressure taken during the visit and received clothing and supplies from the group. “As a veteran, just having them talk to us and care means a lot,” Fisher said. “We really appreciate the attention.” Project CHASM (Charleston Homeless and Street Medicine) is a student-led volunteer organization that works to serve the health needs of homeless people in the state capital. It’s based in WVU’s Charleston Division – but on this night, as is often the case, they were joined by students from Marshall University, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Charleston. “When I look back on my years at WVU, this is what is going to really stay with me,” said Auciello, who graduated from medical school in May. “There’s a
gentleman that I have followed, who I have probably talked to about ten different times. He has a lot of medical problems; each time we talk to him now he’s getting one solved, and he is moving in the right direction. When I see him, he flags me down right away and makes sure I check his blood pressure and catch up with him a little bit.” James Mears, MD, of the Charleston Division Family Medicine faculty, works with the CHASM students. Over time, he’s seen improvement in many patients, particularly those whom the students have been able to guide into other medical resources. “We have seen people that had high blood pressure and other health issues that went and got treated because of these checks,” he said. But the students benefit, too. “It’s very rewarding seeing the students grow as professionals,” Dr. Mears said. “You have to have the heart to be a giver and provide. So much of our time is spent in the clinic and the classroom that taking a little extra time out is a sacrifice, but I think the rewards are there.” By the end of the evening, the group had seen more than 30 people, given dozens of blood pressure readings, and offered advice on everything from keeping warm to smoking cessation. “Charleston’s not a huge city, but there are a lot of people who need help,” said Joe Andrzejewski, a fourth-year medical student. “You don’t really think about it. But when you’re here and see it, it opens up your eyes to how much need there is out there.”
“I think the biggest health challenge is providing care to the working poor and uninsured....” —Bob Whitler CAMC vice president, government and community affairs
Left: WVU Charleston Division School of Medicine graduate Steve Auciello helps meet the health needs of homeless people in the state capital. SUMMER 2013 | 11