The Student Nursing Association is accepting donations of feminine products and coats for the Norman school district.
The donation drive began when Kaitlyn Crockett, nursing senior and SNA historian, had a clinical at Norman North High School and spoke to a nurse about the needs students have.
“During this conversation, we discussed that, while Norman North is a wealthy school district, there are still many kids in need,” Crockett said. “I asked her what in particular she saw a need for, and she explained that winter coats and tampons were the biggest issues.”
Crockett said part of the reason for the need for tampons is because the school will not provide them like they will pads, which some young women aren’t comfortable using.
“The nurses at the school are buying the tampons out of their own pockets,” she said. “I knew there was something we could do to help.”
Crockett said her clinical ends Feb. 15, but there may be another student placed at the same location. She said she’s still willing to drop off further donations after her clinical ends.
SNA is accepting coats sizes XS-3XL and tampons of all variety. Crockett said she encourages students to donate to the cause.
“Some of these kids are in foster care or in the care of the state,” She said. “The school is trying to fill the need however they can, but they need help.”
Crockett contacted Sarah Hallett, nursing senior and SNA president, about the issue Jan. 11 and asked if SNA could start a drive. A notice was sent to SNA members Jan. 16 that the drive would be taking place.
SNA has monthly meetings and guest speakers who come to talk about their careers. The organization is involved in the Oklahoma Memorial Marathon, the Redbud Classic, and Open Streets OKC. At these events, members offer medical assistance to participants. SNA members also make blankets for cancer patients, host the Oklahoma Blood Drive at OCU and host various fundraisers. Once a year, SNA members also go to Oklahoma Student Nursing Convention to learn more about opportunities in nursing and connect with other schools.
Kelly Pan, nursing junior and SNA member, said nursing students are automatically enrolled in the national SNA when they’re accepted into the program, but participation in the chapter NSA is not required.
Pan said she has not been able to donate to the drive yet, but she likes the idea and hopes she can contribute to the cause.
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