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Student Nurse Brings Flu Shots to African American Parishioners
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 — Nicole Collins demonstrates her commitment to nursing and to her community by serving in the American Red Cross Influenza Program. Collins has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than five years, after the Red Cross helped her recover from a fire. She says she felt the need to “give something back”.
Nicole Collins (right) administers one of nearly 15,000 flu shots provided to Kansas City residents by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross. |
In the Kansas City metro area, Collins works with the American Red Cross and the Office of Medicare Services to increase the number of flu shots given to members of the African American community. Working through African American churches, she has initiated a plan to provide education and understanding to the congregations regarding why they should obtain an annual flu shot. This year more than 14,800 Kansas City residents received vaccinations from Collins and other volunteers.
While working with the Influenza Program, Collins has consistently shown caring and is always going out of her way to make sure that everyone receives what they need. Last year she drove an extra 20 minutes to give a flu shot to a gentleman at a construction site
For her kind heart, Collins has been given the prestigious 2005 Nurses of Color Award. She is the recipient of several additional awards and scholarships, including the American Red Cross Licensed Practical Nurse Pin which she received during the 2003-2004 flu season.
There are more than 30,000 American Red Cross nurse employees and volunteers, serving as executives, trainers, disaster workers, managers, community service providers and more. To become a Red Cross volunteer, contact your local Red Cross office.
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