DAV5K (Disabled American Veterans Organization)

TUSDM HPSP sponsors a table at the DAV5k each year to promote oral health care and provide supplies and information on dental services to any current and former military members as well as families, friends, and supporting organizations. This event is in celebration of Veterans Day, allowing veterans to run for free and using registration fees/donations to help raise money for the DAV nonprofit foundation to provide and advocate for benefits for disabled veterans and their families.

Through HPSP members and donations from Tufts Public Health, on Saturday, Nov 8th, we were able to provide dental hygiene materials and promote student providers to any attendees looking to get connected. It is amazing to watch how our faculty members (Dr. Olegario, Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson – all currently or formerly serving in the military) are able to connect with the veterans on a more personal level, including some who mentioned receiving or being interested in care at Tufts! In addition to this, current actively involved HPSP students of all classes participated to hand out hygiene supplies and promote student clinics, including Heather Stickler (D4, President), Lauren Hill (D3), Jorge Bacallao (D3), Michael Sau (D3), Rachel Ivy (D2), MacKenzie Moore-Kosslow (D2), and Hubert Le (D1). After manning our TUSDM HPSP booth, students and faculty got to run the 5k together alongside veterans, active military, police and firefighters, ROTC/JROTC cadets, and more. It is an incredible event to celebrate and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we are excited to continue supporting this event in their honor!

Thank you to all volunteers and participants for this amazing event!