Twenty-three high school students recently completed a two-week health camp organized and sponsored by the CNMI Area Health Education Center or AHEC at Northern Marianas College.
The camp, which was held from June 7 to 16, 2023, provided students with hands-on experience, including CPR/first aid, mental health awareness, nutrition and health, and a glimpse into high-demand medical career pathways.
“We are thrilled to offer this camp to high school students,” said Les Ogumoro-Uludong, director of CNMI AHEC. “This program provides students with the opportunity to learn about the different career options in the healthcare field and to gain valuable hands-on experience.”
During the camp, students participated in a variety of activities, including:
- Learning how to suture and stitch a simulated open wound;
- Creating their own arm casts;
- Learning basic CPR and first aid skills;
- Monitoring their blood pressure and heart rates;
- Learning about mental health, and developing coping skills for stress and anxiety;
- Engaging in different workout sessions that targeted different areas of the body;
- Learning about the importance of healthy eating, how to read nutrition facts, and create a healthy dish;
- Examining plants and living insects under microscopes; and
- Exploring career options in nursing and other healthcare fields.
“The students really enjoyed the camp and learned a lot,” said Ogumoro. “We received positive feedback from students and we are excited to know that several students wanted to pursue a career in healthcare because of their experience in camp.”
AHEC would like to acknowledge and thank its partners from the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, CHCC-CGC Systems of Care and Healthy Transitions Program, Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, Coach Jocelyn Itibus and Coach Mae Guerrero of STR.N.G Group Fitness, Dr. Wilson Gaul and assistants, Victoria Bellas, NMC Project PROA, NMC CREES’ Nutrition and Health Program, NMC Nursing Department, Nursing students, AHEC Scholars and recent Nurse Graduates, AHEC Camp Counselors, and Erica Davis from Hawaii/Pacific Basin AHEC.
“Their contributions made the camp possible and helped us to provide high school students with valuable health and wellness education and training,” said Ogumoro.
AHEC is a federally funded program under the University of Hawaii-Pacific Basin AHEC that provides health care education and training to students and professionals in the CNMI. The program is designed to increase the number of health care professionals in the region and to improve the quality of health care for all residents.
For more information, contact Les Ogumoro-Uludong at the NMC Area Health Education Center at (670) 237-6810 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./.