Contact: Michelle Gordon, 961.3173
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEST TIME FOR VIDEO:
9:30 to 10 a.m.
Girls will look under a black light for germs left after washing their hands
10:15 to 11:15
Groups of eight girls will explore highly visual and interactive learning centers on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and bones.

CGNC to Help Girl Scouts Earn Patch

Savannah, GA—February 25, 2004— On February 28, over 80 Girl Scouts from ages 11 to 18 will visit the campus of Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) from 8 a.m. to noon. They will participate in several learning activities to earn one of the Girl Scout's newest patches, the Nursing Exploration Patch. The Coastal Georgia Nursing Coalition (CGNC) is sponsoring the event to help girls explore the variety of careers in nursing.

"The nursing patch program introduces young girls to nursing at an early age and allows them to view the profession in a positive light," said Eunice Bell, southeast regional director for the Georgia Nursing Association and a coalition member. "They meet practicing nurses and explore equipment used in nursing. This is one of several programs being presented to address the critical shortage of nurses in the coastal region."

The girls, representing the Georgia and South Carolina areas, will participate in several learning activities taught by a group of 10 Clinical Nurse Specialists from the area and 20 students from AASU's Association of Nursing Students (AANS).

The group of scouts will watch a "What is Nursing?" video produced by the American Journal of Nursing, participate in a highly interactive hand washing activity that uses a black light that shows the germs left behind after washing, and word games focusing on the nursing profession. Additionally, the scouts in groups of eight will visit five learning centers featuring the cardiac, pulmonary, renal, neurological and orthopedic body systems . They will use equipment such at the pulse oximeters, stethoscopes, and other tools for assessing patients.

Lastly, the girls will serve as "Immunization Ambassadors" through the Chatham County Health Department's community outreach program. As ambassadors, the girls will reach out to their parents and grandparents to find out whether their shots are up to date. Once a girl has completed her participation in this outreach program, she will meet the final requirement for earning the Nursing Exploration Badge from the Girl Scouts.

For more information, contact Eunice Bell at 912.598.8535.

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