Powwow connects community to healthcare professionals
By Sydney Widell | Apr. 15, 2018Speaking over the sound of powwow drums, UW-Madison pharmacy student Kym Ludwig compared the sugar contents in different energy drinks and helped administer free diabetes risk tests to eventgoers at an informational booth tucked between indigenous food vendors and stalls selling beaded jewelry. Ludwig, who is also a member of the Native American Center for Health Professions, or NACHP, said she hoped Saturday’s Wunk Sheek Spring Powwow would be an opportunity to start conversations with Native community members about diabetes — a disease which disproportionately affects Native people — as well as healthcare in general. The powwow, which is in its 49th year, has historically drawn thousands of students, Madison community members and Native Americans from around the state, but this is the first time NACHP has partnered with the School of Pharmacy there. The Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students’ organization Operation Diabetes, as well as other NACHP students, were present at the powwow offering free risk screenings for the disease. “It’s good to raise awareness about Type two diabetes,” Ludwig said.
