Jonesboro, AR (JonesboroRightNow.com) – February 6, 2024 – In a heartwarming display of gratitude and philanthropy, fourth-year medical student Jared Burns-Martin from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) has made a significant contribution to support the school’s community health initiatives.
Burns-Martin’s donation of $26,951 to the Delta Population Health Institute (DPHI) is a testament to his appreciation for the unique opportunities he has encountered during his medical education. The funds, inherited from his grandparents, William and Hilda Mae Martin, who passed away in recent years, were designated for charitable purposes, and Burns-Martin chose to direct them to the DPHI due to his positive experiences with the organization as a student.
Expressing his motivation behind the donation, Burns-Martin emphasized his belief that the resources allocated to the DPHI would directly benefit those in need while also enhancing the medical education of students like himself. His generosity will support programs focused on population health initiatives and the Delta Care-A-Van, a mobile medical unit that offers free health screenings in rural areas of Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta region.
Burns-Martin’s involvement with the Delta Care-A-Van during his initial years of medical school provided him with invaluable hands-on experiences and the opportunity to develop essential communication skills. Reflecting on his participation, he highlighted the significance of connecting with patients and gaining insights into the community’s needs and culture.
Remarkably, Burns-Martin’s donation marks the first major contribution from an active student to NYITCOM at A-State. Dr. Brook Laurent, Chair of Clinical Medicine at NYITCOM at A-State and founder/executive director of the DPHI, expressed profound gratitude for Burns-Martin’s generosity and emphasized the impact of his experiences on future students.
Despite the absence of his grandmother, who played a pivotal role in nurturing his values of compassion and generosity, Burns-Martin finds solace in knowing that his donation honors her legacy and reflects her teachings.
Burns-Martin’s story serves as an inspiring example of how personal experiences can fuel a desire to give back to the community and support initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved and rural areas. His generous gesture will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the medical school’s community health efforts and future generations of students at NYITCOM at A-State.