Jim Zhang, a fourth year medical student at the Chicago Medical School of Rosalind Franklin University, proposes to create a mental wellness program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He envisions incorporating themes from mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and emotional expression to facilitate the program. In addition to working in group settings, Jim will also foster one-on-one relationships with adults who would benefit from further support.

To explore a full range of mental wellness techniques, Jim seeks to raise $500 to use throughout the year and duration of the project.

Founded in 1996, Health & Medicine’s Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program cultivates aspiring health and human services professionals to be informed, concerned, and involved with addressing health inequities. Each year, the Schweitzer Program provides 30 exceptional students with opportunities to design and implement projects to improve the health and well-being of underserved Chicago communities. Fellows’ projects often address the social determinants of health, and their activities frequently include tutoring, violence prevention, health education, healthy lifestyles promotion, and outreach to vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows develop the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and creating change.

Each of the Fellows has created a wish list of supplies and resources that will help them bring their project goals to life. Please consider supporting a specific Fellow project or donating to the general Schweitzer project fund.

The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Fellows Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement as "Health & Medicine."