In the spring 2025 semester, Dr. Molly McKinney’s HEA 485 Community Organization & Advocacy class collaborated with Enrich, a local non-profit, to plan and implement a needs fair for Richmond community members in recovery or seeking recovery. EKU Public Health students planned and implemented the entire event with guidance from Enrich staff and Dr. McKinney. The event took place in downtown Richmond at Enrich’s One-Stop Resource and Referral Hub.
Collaborating with a local non-profit fostered hands-on public health experience and skill building for students. EKU Public Health major Allee Galloway shared, “the experience really strengthened my skills in organization, collaboration, and community engagement.” Fellow public health major Bri Johnson stated, “with Dr. McKinney’s guidance we saw how important it is to meet people where they are and support their recovery.”
Enrich President and Founder, India Kiersten stated, “It was an honor to have the EKU Public Health students choose to partner with Enrich to host the Needs Fair. Watching them develop the idea, work through the details, collaborate with other community organizations, and bring the event to life was a true privilege. Enrich has been deeply blessed by EKU student involvement and looks forward to continued collaboration in the future.”
Collaboration between our program, external stakeholders and community members is an important element of learning for public health students. Dr. McKinney is actively involved with Enrich, a local non-profit, and this connection affords our students unique opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
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