The Dalhousie School of Occupational Therapy has been in full swing since the new semester began in September.  The students kicked off the first few months with a number of events on campus and around Halifax:

• On September 10th, a group of student participated in the first annual Northwood Lawton’s Drug Walk of Ages.  The students raised $300 and walked 5km in support of Northwood’s newly established Dignified Living Fund.  The fund will assist in providing necessary medical items or services to clients who cannot afford them, such as hearing aids, podiatry services and transportation for medical appointments.  The walk was a lot of fun and the students enjoyed meeting staff, volunteers, family and community members connected to Northwood.  It was a great way to engage with the community and help to advocate for the needs of the residents.
• The Dalhousie Occupational Therapy Students Society (DOTSS) Global Health Committee attended Medecins Sans Frontieres’ (MSF) “Refugee Camp in the Heart of a City” on September 15th.  The tour highlighted the global efforts to increase primary health care, water distribution and mental health services offered in crisis areas.  Some of the students reflected on how OTs could be useful in refugee camps internationally but at the present time, MSF does not have roles in place for the profession.  The entire experience expanded the students’ view of how environment and social influences significantly impact the daily life of refugees.
• On September 24th, the School celebrated its 24th Annual Kids’ Day.  Many children with varying physical and/or cognitive disabilities from the Metro area had the opportunity to interact with each other in a fun filled day of student led recreational and educational activities.
• As in several years past, a team of students participated in the Run for the cure on October 2nd.  The team of first and second year students worked very hard to raise funds.  In addition to individual fundraising efforts, students held a bake sale, a pancake breakfast and a pasta dinner to contribute to the final total of $2,307.

The next big endeavor DOTSS will be involved with the annual “For the Health of It” showcase.  Practices are just starting up for their top secret performance that will be presented along with the other departments on November 26th.  Fundraising for the event has also begun, with lots of creative ideas lined up.