Physician Assistant Student Organization (PASO)

What and Who is PASO?

Springfield College

Physician Assistant Student Organization (PASO)

     The Springfield College Physician Assistant Student Organization (PASO) is comprised of students ranging from freshman to second year professional graduate students working to promote health awareness and serve our community and campus. The student organization was established in 2005 and has been recognized by the Student Government Association as the Student Organization of the Year. In the club’s three years of existence, numerous service programs, education awareness programs and fundraisers have been completed by volunteers. Students have dedicated countless hours to service projects and fundraising while working to maintain their difficult studies in the effort to help the community.

     In 2005, Hurricane Katrina left a lasting mark on the people of New Orleans and the rest of the nation. Seven members of PASO elected to spend an alternative spring break in New Orleans aiding in the clearance of damaged homes. Through the Association of Community Organizations of Reform Now, these seven members were able to reach outside of the Springfield community to help others in need of service.

     Annually, volunteers from PASO participate in Katelynn’s Ride, a bike ride created in memory of Katelynn Battista of West Springfield, MA. Katelynn’s Ride is in association with the Jimmy Fund of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Cycling routes range from 10 to 100 miles and proceeds are donated to the Jimmy Fund. PASO volunteers work within water stations and medical tents throughout the race.

     Springfield College dedicates a day in September to a school-wide service project. Humanics-in-Action day encourages students and faculty to give back to the community and bring service to Springfield. PASO, including students and faculty, has participated each year by organizing a campus clean-up at Mercy Hospital. The day consists of raking, trimming, and painting at the hospital, as well as various tasks within neighboring branches of the hospital.

     PASO has actively participated in the Rays of Hope Walk for Breast Cancer at Forest Park in Springfield. This year our team “PArtners in Medicine” raised over $2,800, doubling what had been raised in previous years. All the money raised is put toward programs and workshops for breast cancer patients and survivors throughout Western New England. Research on breast cancer detection and treatment, free wigs and cab rides for low income women receiving treatments, and funding breast cancer education programs are some of the ways the donations are used. Over 13,000 people joined together to walk for the cause and over $850,000 was raised with 25 members of PASO attending the walk.

     This year, PASO organized a bone marrow drive in coordination with the Rhode Island Blood Center to offer an opportunity for students and faculty to join the National Marrow Donor Program’s registry. Our club was inspired by the story of Nicole Nelson, a 34 year old Physician Assistant with aplastic anemia in need of a match. Over 80 students, faculty, and Springfield residents joined the National Donor list. Most importantly, we were able to spread awareness on how easy it is to join and how you can directly help save a life.
     This fall, PASO members raised money and asked for donations from classmates, friends, and family to benefit the Open Pantry of Springfield. As a group, we collected over 500 trial size items including shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, body lotion, soap, deodorant, toilet tissue, and household products to be distributed to those in need. In addition, we collected over 20 pairs of socks and 20 sets of hats and gloves for children and adults. Open Pantry Community Services of Springfield is a private, non-profit social service agency, which provides comprehensive services to people who are homeless, hungry, or disadvantaged. Open Pantry provides groceries and necessities to people in need on an emergency basis and works in coordination with several shelters throughout Springfield. Our items were disbursed among three area shelters affiliated with the Open Pantry of Springfield. On the final trip to deliver the donated items, a homeless man approached the President of our club, asking if he could help carry the bags into the shelter. She then noticed that he was wearing a hat and gloves set that our club had donated just days prior, leaving her with humbling sense of pride in how we had affected our community.

     PASO also granted Christmas wishes to foster children and mentally challenged adults. We chose nineteen people from the Baystate Medical Hospital’s giving tree and fulfilled their wishes. Items were bought by PASO members and through donations. Gifts ranged from a winter hat and bed pillows to fishing tackles, movie passes, and crayons.
     Our first annual 5K race on April 27nd for adenoid cystic carcinoma was a huge success and has allowed us to raise money for research leading to a treatment and eventual cure for adenoid cystic carcinoma as well as spread the word about this rare condition. With almost 100 runners/walkers and community sponsors, the race raised over $10,000 dollars. We hope this year the event will be a even greater success!