Augusta University Nursing Students Host Free Health Clinic for Grandparents Raising Grandkids

Augusta University's Healthy Grandparents Program (HGP) will host a free health clinic March 27–28, 2025, to address the physical wellness of Columbia and Richmond County grandmothers and grandfathers who are raising grandchildren in parent-absent households. The event, spearheaded by the College of Nursing, filled a niche for caregivers who tend to neglect their own health in the name of tending to the needs of the children they are looking after.

“We know they do a wonderful job of taking care of the children's needs, but we also know in the process of that, they neglect their own health needs,” said Mike Patton, program manager of HGP.

The clinic offered comprehensive health services, including cholesterol and blood sugar testing, EKG rhythm monitoring, and blood pressure screenings. The North Augusta Lions Club provided vision screenings, while community partners provided HIV testing and educational classes on body mechanics and preventative care.

Family Nurse Practitioner students conducted full wellness screenings, while undergraduate nursing students performed hands-on training in CPR, A1C testing, and general health education. Students from Augusta University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program partnered with HGP as part of their community service hours.

“Often, the grandparents don't show enough attention to themselves, and this clinic is to show appreciation for what they do,” said nursing student Hannah Hanson. “We are in our community service hours this semester, and my group has partnered with HGP, so we've been going to their monthly meetings.”

Pam Cromer, director of community engagement at the College of Nursing, emphasized the importance of early detection for this at-risk population. Zubair Karim of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics hosted a hands-on station centered around nutrition education, and Oak Street Health's Kheidee Zamora helped connect attendees to Medicare-related resources or information about wellness activities.

This clinic is a demonstration of Augusta University's continuing commitment to supporting caregivers in our community, getting them the attention, respect and care they deserve.