Community Partner: Mzuzu Health Foundation
Joining Forces for Children is a local organization that aims to impact the children of Cincinnati through ensuring that they are “healthy, resilient, and thrive in nurturing families, neighborhoods, and communities.” Their mission is as follows: “Through its diverse and inclusive network of committed partners, Joining Forces for Children prevents and reduces the impact of childhood adversity by promoting resilient families and equitable communities.” The foundational belief of this organization is that minimizing adverse childhood experiences will result in the improved health and well-being of children, which will in turn set them up for success in their lives. The work of the organization revolves around educating those in the community on the impact of adverse childhood experiences and advocating for policy change to facilitate the safety and well-being of children.
About Riley
Originally from Lexington, KY, I completed my undergraduate degrees in Neuroscience and English at Vanderbilt University. I matriculated to UCCOM and spent the past year at the National Institute of Health as part of the Medical Research Scholar’s Program in Washington, D.C..
I am excited to partner with Mzuzu Health Foundation as part of my Global Health and service experience in Mzuzu, Malawi, where I will be completing a one-month surgical rotation with the UC Surgery Department. I am applying into General Surgery this year and have longstanding interests in austere and low-resource medicine. Bidirectional education is a critical element of Global Health outreach and I look forward to serving and learning from the Mzuzu medical community.