Divya Khandekar, a Doctor of Pharmacy student at Midwestern University, proposes a program called ‘Music for the Mind’ for elderly population of South-Asian origin at the American Association of Retired Asians. The program focuses on teaching Indian vocal music to enhance creativity and self-confidence in this elderly immigrant community. She believes that the workshops will be a way of bringing the community together and for combating loneliness and social isolation in this population. She will also use these workshops to increase awareness about health topics relevant to the elderly like Type 2 Diabetes, Polypharmacy, Diet, and Oral Health. Divya seeks to raise $1200 for a high quality PA system (Speakers, cordless microphones, sound mixer) to conduct the music workshops and $500 ($25/installation) for making a music software available to participants on their cell phones. There are currently 20 participants registered to the program.

The Schweitzer Fellowship is a year-long service learning program for graduate students in health-related professions who will design and implement innovative direct service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved Chicago area communities. Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating change.

In the summer of 2018, the Schweitzer Fellows for Life network launched Fellows Fest 2018, a campaign to help support our current Fellows' projects. Each of the Fellows has created a "wish list" of supplies and resources that will help them realize their service project goals. We also invite you to join us for our Fellows Fest event taking place on September 11 in Chicago. Click here for more info and to RSVP.

The Chicago Areas Schweitzer Fellowship is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Summer Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement at "Health & Medicine."