By John Church
The Student Nursing Association at Plattsburgh State is taking direct action to help local students in and around the Plattsburgh and Clinton County area. Lately, Cardinals in the Nursing Program have been helping young students at Beekmantown Central School District.
To give back to the local community, SNAPS is taking the initiative to support Beekmantown Elementary, Middle and High School children through a clothing and hygiene drive. Their mission is aimed to foster a supportive environment and bond for nursing students to make as much of a positive impact as possible in the North Country.
SNAPS provides an applied learning experience for SUNY Plattsburgh nursing students to find a space to connect. Through trial, tribulations, and shared experiences, each Card mentors one another throughout the rigorous program.
“The nursing program can be demanding at times, so it is nice to have other people who are going through the same program,” said SNAPS student representative Breanna Cascioli.
Older students often guide younger students, offering experience, advice, and encouragement. Yet, the organization’s reach extends beyond the city of Plattsburgh to the broader Clinton County community.
The drives at Beekmantown CSD are just the latest exhibitions on how SNAPS make an impact through applied learning.
“SNAPS not only offers support to the nursing program at Plattsburgh but to the Plattsburgh Community,” Cascioli said. “SNAPS has done multiple hygiene drives in the past, like Trunk or Treat at the field house for local children.”
For upperclassmen in SNAPS, the experience they gain helps them for the future past graduation. Most of their knowledge comes from engagement with public health nursing.
Plattsburgh students in the Nursing Program are given a chance to work directly in the community through the JCEO Head Starts, Alliance Health and several local school districts around the area.
Beekmantown, alongside SNAPS, serves students who may not have clean socks or enough fresh clothes or hygiene products.
“The school nurses at Beekmantown truly care about their students,” Cascioli said. “Many of them even bring needed items of their own to the school for the children and teens.”
For students who may not have the accessibility to or knowledge about the power of clean clothes and good hygiene, SNAPS and the school district help to alleviate some of the challenges for the Beekmantown Eagles.
“The clothing items can give confidence to children and teens. Having clean clothes picked out for each day can make a difference in the level of confidence a person has,” Cascioli said.
Rather than worrying about their basic needs, a simple drive like the ones at Beekmantown can provide kids with the essentials to finding their confidence and focusing on school.
Just about anyone at Plattsburgh State can help to move the needle in the area.
Outside of SNAPS, students from all majors can help by donating clothing and hygiene items, spreading awareness, or reaching out to local facilities to see where assistance is needed.
“Any student can make a difference on campus or in the community,” Casicoli said. “Students can reach out to the facilities around the community and ask how they can help. JCEOs, Alliance Health, and the schools around the community are good places to reach out to.”
For future health care professionals, SUNY Plattsburgh’s Nursing Program understands the importance of engaging the community beyond campus.
The invitation is extended to Cardinals on campus, faculty and the local community to aid.
People like Cascioli believe that through a joint effort, SNAPS, SUNY Plattsburgh and the North Country can make an impact on local kids, giving them access to the necessities they need to succeed.
“As future nurses, SNAPS must support the community. It is important to take initiative within the communities around to help promote overall health and well being.”
