COCC Nursing Students Seek Big Impact

A small group of nursing students from Central Oregon Community College want to make a huge difference in the world.

This September, eight of them will travel on a medical mission to Dharamsala, India to provide medical care for those most in need.

These nurses hope to make a big impact, because where they’re heading has little access to medical care.

For two weeks this fall, they will volunteer their skills to help the people of Dharamsala, as well as Tibetan refugees through the IVHQ program.

After the trip, they plan to tell stories of their experiences to local high school students and hopefully inspire more students to pursue careers in the medical field.

“There’s so many people who have so little,” said Maria Buagas, a COCC nursing student. “I think it’s important that when you have so much, you give back.”

“Volunteering is a very important part of our mission,” said Buagas. “That we’re able to give back to people that need it the most.”

While in India, the volunteers will get a chance to attend a private teaching from the Dalai Lama at the Buddhist Temple.

The nurses are prepping for their big trip but need your help.

They’ll be holding a fundraiser on June 26th at Pappys Pizza in Redmond. 50% of any food order will go to the group.

You’ll need a flier for your purchase to count, and you can print one out from their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NursingStudentsToDharamsala. You can also donate at that page, or at any Bank of the Cascades branch.