HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – During National Volunteer Week, medical students from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine dedicated their time to giving back and supporting community organizations across Huntington. 

More than 75 students participated last week in various service projects including packing food boxes at the Facing Hunger Foodbank, cleaning and gathering debris along Fifth Avenue, reorganizing the kitchen at the Ronald McDonald House and cleaning the exterior of Hospice of Huntington. 

“Helping out in our communities means showing up for people in whatever way they need —not only through medical care, but doing yard work, or just being there with a little hope and connection,” said Kassie Looschen-Pribanich, a second-year medical student and one of the event organizers. “That’s what leadership looks like to me: listening, understanding and giving back with heart.” 

The week concluded Saturday with additional medical students volunteering at Marshall Medical Outreach (MMO). MMO, a monthly student-led initiative, provides free medical services to individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment or housing insecurity in Huntington. This month’s MMO event coincided with FaithHealth Appalachia’s See, Test & Treat event, which offered free cervical cancer screenings and mammograms at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and Rivers Health for uninsured and underinsured women. MMO worked with FaithHealth Appalachia to facilitate walk-in appointments and coordinate transportation to and from the free screening event.    

Throughout the year, students and trainees of the School of Medicine actively engage with social service organizations, many of which focus on care for underinsured and uninsured individuals. Collectively, Marshall medical students log more than 8,700 hours of community service annually, exemplifying their dedication to both learning and serving others. 

Date Posted: Tuesday, April 29, 2025