Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Chris Breedlove, LUCOM Marketing

Last month, the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) Medical Outreach Community Interest (MOCI) committee and group volunteered at the Connecting Point Pantry, a ministry of Gospel Community Church, in Lynchburg, Va. The time was meant to share the connecting love of Christ to the underserved of the local community and further the mission of LUCOM; prepare physicians who dedicate themselves to excellence toward their fellow man. LUCOM-MOCI meets regularly throughout the months to identify outreach opportunities, both domestic and international.

“I attend Gospel Community Church and serve at the Connecting Point Pantry, which is held twice a month,” said Lauri Ann Maitland, DO, MPH, associate professor of family medicine. “I contacted one of the outreach directors to offer help from LUCOM on one of the serving dates. They were delighted to have LUCOM and partner together to serve the community. We are now developing plans to have this be a continued monthly outreach to provide basic health screening and education, we may also serve in the pantry, as well.”

Casey Carr, Class of 2024, talks with a community member while volunteering at the Connecting Point Pantry, a ministry of Gospel Community Church.
Casey Carr, Class of 2024, talks with a community member while volunteering at the Connecting Point Pantry, a ministry of Gospel Community Church.

Dr. Maitland led the event with five Liberty University osteopathic medical students offering blood pressure and glucose screenings to the neighbors of the church who often visit for fellowship, breakfast, and access to the food pantry.

“Considering this was our first volunteer and time of service towards our neighbors in partnership with Gospel Community Church, my hope is that we will continue to serve and incorporate health education topics such as diabetes, hypertension, and more, as we move forward,” added Dr. Maitland.

“Medical outreach events, no matter the size, are incredibly important to strengthen and advance LUCOM’s mission. And as the dean of LUCOM, when I learn about faculty and students taking the initiative to serve their neighbors — their fellow man — I am deeply humbled to serve alongside and lead them, and pray the Lord blesses their efforts to lead those they serve towards His love and mercy,” said Joseph R. Johnson, DO, FACOOG (Dist).