The overhead lights illuminate the stage as Christopher’s voice echoes across the cheers of the crowd. Every eye and ear is trained on him as he spotlights the unique backgrounds of each student. In the basement of the University of Louisville (UofL) Hospital, a community of youth, medical students, and medical professionals flourishes — both in the present and for the future.
Future Healers (FH) is a UofL Health outreach program focused on building a stronger bridge between the Louisville healthcare community and the city’s youth, especially those most impacted by gun violence. As gun violence rates plague the city, Louisville hospitals bear the burden. Louisville Public Media reported in 2023 that over the past three years, Louisville has seen a spike in gun violence involving young people ages 25 and under. While the hospital remains a frightening place for some patients, Future Healers works to educate, provide opportunities, and shed a more positive light on the healthcare field. Through hosting biannual workshop events for members of the community to learn about healthcare professions, Future Healers educates youth about various medical topics in a kid-friendly way.
Zayna Quaissi, medical student and Co-Executive Director of the program, identifies the most pressing issues Future Healers helps to address in the community.
“It’s just number one, educating them. Number two, advocating for these kids. And three, really kind of creating a positive light of medicine and really encouraging them to join the medical field and hopefully become part of this change,” Quaissi said.
The program is a collaborative effort between UofL Hospital J. David Richardson Trauma Center, the UofL School of Medicine, the UofL Department of Surgery, and Christopher 2X Game. At any workshop or FH event, there are close to 100 youth in attendance. Beyond this, FH provides both a mentorship program for high school students and an internship program for college students. Each and every member plays an important role in the development of the organization. Since its inception in 2020, the organization has been growing at a steep rate, starting with only 25 kids in the program and now almost up to 200, its impact reaching beyond just West Louisville.
Ashley Shae Benton, medical student and Co-Executive Director of the program, explains her intentions behind initially joining.
“The folks in this space need people who care. They need people who will take time out of their day to show them that they are loved, they are safe, and they have people cheering for them,” Benton said.
On September 14th, FH hosted their September workshop. Christopher 2X, Executive Director of the Gamechangers kicked off the event, introducing the organization and welcoming the community in attendance. Soon, the kids were assigned to various rooms to participate in their first rotation. From color-coordinating streamers to towers of balloons, the rooms were transformed into hubs of medical innovation and a spectacle of learning.
The organization has big plans for its future. Not only do they have expansion plans in their books, but soon they will have a pilot education program in JCPS elementary schools.
Stefanie Upton, Trauma Institute Program Coordinator, explains the importance of this program to her.
“It truly brings me so much joy. It’s a lot of work, don’t get me wrong, but to see the smiles and the kids every single month, it just keeps me going,” she said.
The program’s impact has not only brought smiles but has also strengthened students’ abilities in west Louisville to access a multitude of opportunities. Despite barriers, FH has made it their mission to make the healthcare community more accessible.
As the event came to a close, the illuminating lights cast a warm glow over the crowd. While each family left the otherwise thought dark and dreary hospital, their kids’ bright smiles lit a path of hope and enthusiasm for the future of medicine.
To support or volunteer, follow their Instagram @futurehealersky or visit their website at futurehealersky.org.
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