Libertyville High club collects donated clothing for ER patients
A group of Libertyville High School students with an interest in medical careers is making a difference to emergency room patients at Advocate Condell Medical Center.
The Medcats group has been collecting and delivering donated clothing for use by patients after they are discharged from the emergency department. The group also is stocking Condell’s pediatric emergency department with crayons and activity books to keep young patients and visitors distracted and comfortable.
The 20-member group meets twice a month during the school year to learn about the medical profession and health care, with an emphasis on community service. This spring, students collected clothing, which is given to trauma patients whose clothing has been damaged or must be left behind for a police investigation.
“Our trauma patients have suffered tremendously when they come to our ED,” said Jody Jesse, Director of Emergency Department Nursing. “They appreciate very much having clean clothes to wear home. It’s a comfort, and in cases of assaults, it can help restore dignity.”
The clothing and art supply drives are the latest collaboration between the Medcats and Advocate Condell. Students also have helped out at community events, and attend occasional lectures at the hospital by physicians and other clinicians who give a glimpse into the medical field.
The club began in 2011, when students Jason Leib and Rankin Draa approached Libertyville High School nurse Cameron Traut.
“The primary goal is to give students a chance to learn about the field of medicine, whether they are interested in a career or are just curious.” Traut said. “We feel community service is an important part of our club, too.”
Leib, the club’s co-leader, got involved to explore a possible career in surgery.
“My experience with the club has helped solidify my decision to pursue medicine as a career,” he said. “Helping people, as a doctor or through the community service we do now, is really rewarding.”