LA MIRADA, CALIF. – Biola University received a grant from the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s Fund for Better Health program for their Ask the Nurse project. The Fund for Better Health provides support to organizations for public health initiatives. In 2008, projects targeting the issues of healthy lifestyles, care for the uninsured/underinsured, public safety and health literacy and patient safety were eligible for the program.  Thirty-seven organizations from around the country received grants.

Biola University’s Department of Nursing, based in La Mirada, CA received a grant of $2,000 to purchase equipment for their “Ask the Nurse” project. This project, coordinated by professor Cheryl Zukerberg (PhD, RN, GNP), allows nursing students at Biola University to serve the elderly in their community. Under faculty supervision, future nurses provide free health assessments, fall prevention/healthy living education, and referrals for those in need of further care to over 150 senior citizens. Participants have said that the program helps patients understand their medications, empowers them to take responsibility for their lifestyle, and saves them money. They also appreciate the personal attention provided by regular interaction with the same cohort of students. Students, in turn, are able to experience working with older adults outside the geriatric ward, providing them with a more positive perspective on elder care than if the program relied on clinicals alone.

“The AMA Foundation is committed to making a difference in local communities,” said Jean Howard, President of the AMA Foundation.  “Seed grants take advantage of an organization’s momentum and can affect change quickly.” 

As the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association, the AMA Foundation supports programs in medical education, research and public health. For more information about the Foundation’s programs, visit www.amafoundation.org.