Explorer Post 1710, sponsored by White River Health System (WRHS) and the Boy Scouts of America, recently began its second year. The group includes more than 50 students ages 14 to 20 from Independence County and the surrounding area. As the post sponsor, WRHS provides supplies and WRHS healthcare professionals volunteer their time to provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience.
“We want to thank all employees involved in this program,” said Maggie Williams, pharmacy director and program coordinator. “If it were not for their volunteerism, we would not be able to provide this amazing educational opportunity to the youth of our community.”
Career-specific Explorer Posts connect young people with professionals and business resources to create a program of experiences to teach character, leadership, and life skills.
The Explorer Post 1710 provides students with experiences and mentorship in an effort to encourage interest in healthcare careers. During the program, students are exposed to various aspects of healthcare such as emergency medicine, occupational therapy, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, pharmacy, physical therapy, and stroke care.
During the first meeting, students learned how medications are given in the hospital using intravenous (IV) lines, peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC lines), intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, and transdermal injections. Patient care computer simulations, casting, CPR training, and basic first aid training are also a part of the program.
The Explorer Post students meet every other Thursday during the school year. Membership for the Explorer Post Program is $24 for the year. For more information regarding the Explorer Post, students should contact their guidance counselor or Maggie Williams at (870) 262-6095.
Participants take part in a recent Explorer Post session. / Image via WRHS
