Nine nursing students volunteered at a health fair in Chester this summer to help residents of the city “save their soles” by learning about the connection between diabetes and foot amputation.
According to nursing professor Ann Zahner, “The students did a presentation on the elderly and nutrition, conducted blood pressure screening, assisted Dr. Ron Renzi with feet circulation assessments, and assisted residents in completing a form to assess risk factors for diabetes.”
Dr. Renzi is a local podiatrist and founder of Save Your Soles, a nonprofit organization that he launched in 2012 to reduce the risk of amputations through community education and screening.
Over 50 people attended the event, held on June 20 at Chester City Hall.
Zahner, who has recruited nursing students to staff this event since 2022, provided on-site supervision for Danelle Blair, Rebekkah Brosky, Ciazsa Davis, Madison Lipford, Jillian Logue, Abdullah Nibir, Damiyha Paulk, Emma Schneider, and Brittany Williams.
“The experience was valuable for the students because it gave them the opportunity to serve those in our community who are vulnerable and to learn about the challenges they face in managing their own care,” Zahner explained.
Led by a group of podiatrists, Save Your Soles uses hospital in-patient databases to identify populations and geographic areas at high risk. Working with health care providers, community groups, and churches, the nonprofit then hosts public health events in locations of greatest need.
Renzi contacted Zahner in 2022, asking for help from her nursing students for an event in Chester. She jumped at the chance to provide community healthcare experience for her students and has continued the partnership ever since.