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Thrivent Financial Supports Augsburg Central Health Commons

 

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On their first day of the 2015-2016 school year, Augsburg faculty and staff came together to help celebrate the college’s 16th City Service Day by assembling hygiene kits for individuals who visit the Augsburg Central Health Commons in downtown Minneapolis. Supplies for the kits were purchased through a generous grant from the Central Minneapolis Chapter of Thrivent Financial, by way of its Care Abounds in Communities program.

City Service Day is an annual event in which members of the college community, including all incoming first-years, venture off campus to complete service work in Minneapolis neighborhoods.

The group of faculty, staff, and other friends of the college assembled 480 hygiene kits, which were comprised of socks, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other commonly requested items of those who visit the Commons. Kits will be distributed at the Health Commons during normal operating hours on Mondays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

In addition to assembling hygiene kits, participants learned more about the history of the Health Commons, the people who visit the center, and opportunities to get involved as a volunteer.

Health Commons is a nursing-led free drop-in center that is dedicated to providing basic needs and health support for people living in poverty. The center also provides an opportunity for faculty and students from the Nursing Department at Augsburg College to become involved in independent practice.

The people who come to the Health Commons are from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. All services are provided free of charge. Health concerns might include nutrition, medication, stress management, respiratory conditions, injuries, skin problems, and chronic disease such as diabetes and hypertension. Frequently, people with these problems come to the Health Commons for its easy access, its supportive environment, and assistance with connecting to other healthcare resources.

As a small, student-centered college located in the vibrant and diverse Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg embraces civic engagement as a core part of its curriculum. We are grateful to Thrivent Financial and other corporations and foundations who support our work in the community.

To learn more about Augsburg Central Health Commons or its sister facility in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, please click here.