Gardner-Webb PA Program Hosts Inaugural Service Day for National PA Week

Celebration Also Includes Activities to Raise Money for Children’s Home of Cleveland County

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies is celebrating PA week Oct. 6-12 by holding its inaugural PA Service Day. The annual nationwide observance recognizes the PA profession and its contributions to the nation’s health.

The PA Service Day will be observed on Monday, Oct. 11, by fulfilling needs at eight locations, including White Oak Manor (Shelby, N.C.), CLECO in Shelby, N.C., and other locations, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, Rutherford Regional Medical Center, Crest High School and Children’s Home of Cleveland County.

“Some of the things they will be doing include administering COVID boosters, flu vaccines, interacting with skilled nursing residents (exercises, crafts, games), doing maintenance of facilities or grounds, and talking with high schoolers about healthcare,” noted Ami R. Steele, associate professor and director of the GWU Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

Other activities during PA week include a fundraising event hosted by Gardner-Webb’s PA students on Oct. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. outside Tucker Student Center. ​Proceeds from the event will go to Children’s Home of Cleveland County. Peter Bagley, executive director of the organization, will attend the event.

Pelican’s SnoBalls will be on hand and a percentage of sales that day will go towards the fundraiser. Activities also include pay-to-play cornhole and bucketball and a tie-dye station. Prices range from $3 for cornhole and bucketball to $5 to tie-dye your own shirt and $15 to tie-dye a PA program shirt. Pelican’s SnoBalls are $3 to $4 (prices determined by vendor).

Additionally in the spirit of celebration, the PA program is holding a Spirit Week with themed days for dressing up. Since PA week falls mid-week to mid-week, the week kicks off on Oct. 11. The schedule is as follows:

Oct. 11: GWU attire—for the PA Week Service Project day.

Oct. 12: Twin Tuesday—dress up like a classmate or professor.

Oct. 13: Sports day—wear your favorite team’s colors, jerseys, etc.

Oct. 14: Throwback Thursday—dress a different decade or year of life.

Oct. 15: Organ system—get creative and dress up like an organ system or your favorite PA med module topic.

According to the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants, more than 95,000 certified PAs work in every medical and surgical setting across the country. More than one-third practice in hospital settings and more than one-third work in a group practice or solo physician office. The remaining PAs work in a variety of settings, including community health centers, freestanding surgical facilities, nursing homes, school- or college-based facilities, industrial settings and correctional institutions. PAs practice in all states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories except Puerto Rico.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.